LAHORE: Power consumers have rejected the decision of increasing the number of peak hours from four to six, terming it an anti-people move, which, according to them, will inflate their bills considerably, besides criticising the hike in cost of obtaining new connections.

“We are already under an immense financial stress due to the huge electricity bills. And the recent decision of increasing number of peak hours will further inflate the bills,” a consumer deplored while talking to Dawn on Tuesday.

“Since the cost of new connections has also been increased, the government must think about the financial condition of the people before taking such decisions,” he said.

The government (power division) has reportedly decided to increase the number of peak hours from four to six. At present, the peak hour timings comprise 7pm to 11pm slot, during which the cost of a power unit is higher than that of normal hours. However, under the decision, 4pm to 11pm slot would be considered as peak hours. A notification, in this regard is yet to be issued.

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On the other hand, a notification regarding increase in the cost of new connections has been issued, under which the cost of single-phase meter connection requiring cable up to 10 metres would remain the same (Rs7,400). However, the cost will increase if the length of cable exceeds 10 metres. Up to 100-metre length after 10 metres, the consumer would be charged Rs950 per metre. Above 100 metres cable, the cost per metre would be Rs1,100 per metre.

Similarly, for a three-phase connection, the cost would be Rs33,500 (energy meter with the cable having 10 metres length. After 10 metre, the per metre cable cost would be charged at the rate of Rs1,350. The cable rate will be Rs1,500 per metre beyond 100 metres length. It would further increase to Rs1,650 per metre if the total length goes beyond 160 metres.

“The financial impact of increasing peak hours may further hike the bill by 10 percent to 20 percent, as it will not only increase the unit cost, but also change the tariff if the consumer’s use touches the high-tariff slabs, starting after using 200/300 units,” says another consumer.

He said similarly if someone wants a new connection, he/she would have to pay thousands of rupees extra of the length of cable exceeding 10 metres.

“It means the government is leaving no opportunity to crush the poor further financially,” he deplored.

The consumers urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to look into these matter and issue directions to the ministry concerned to give some relief to the people, rather than burdening them more financially.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2023