LEJA seminar reverberates the findings of IPS’ study on escalating power tariffs and impact

The Lahore Economic Journalist Association (LEJA) organized a seminar at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on November 6, 2023, addressing the pressing issue of the surging power tariffs and their far-reaching impact on consumers’ affordability, distribution companies (DISCOs) recoveries, and the burgeoning circular debt crisis, to discuss a recent IPS’ study titled ‘Impact of Increase in Electricity Prices on Consumer Behavior’.

The seminar was addressed by Hafiz Muhammad Numan, chairman, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) board, Tahir Basharat Cheema, energy expert and former MD of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO), Shahid Haider, CEO, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Imran Rana, director communications, K-Electric, Kashif Anwar, president, LCCI, and Muhammad Sudhir Chaudhry, president of LEJA.

Senior IPS Associate and member, IPS’ Energy Steering Committee Ameena Sohail discussed the adverse effects exorbitant rise in electricity tariff on consumer consumption patterns, ultimately leading to a sharp decline in DISCOs’ revenue and further increase in circular debt.

Collectively, these experts voiced the urgent need to address the root causes of the escalating cost of electricity production, advocating for a thorough revision of the tariff structure, and the enhancement of efficiency within distribution companies (DISCOs). The consensus among the attendees was that prompt and strategic measures are essential to alleviate the financial burden on consumers, stabilize DISCOs recoveries, and mitigate the looming threat of the circular debt crisis.