THE recent surge in electricity tariff across the country has led to immense anger and frustration among households and businesses alike. Every passing day seems to bring another increase, pushing the electricity bills to a point where they have become a significant burden on monthly budgets. The recent announce- ment of additional burden on K-Electric (KE) consumers for the period between June and September has exacerbated an already tricky situation. It must be fun for the KE stakeholders, but the consumers stand aggrieved.

As such, electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The continuous hike in tariff places an unbearable financial strain on the families, particularly those already struggling to make ends meet. The impact on small businesses is equally devastating. Many businesses are grappling with high operational costs, and the added burden of inflated electricity bills threatens their survival, leading to potential closures and subsequent job losses.

The government as well as regulatory bodies should take a more balanced approach. There must be transparency in how the fuel and maintenance costs are calculated, and a concerted effort must be made to explore alternative energy sources that could alleviate the dependence on expensive imported fuels.

Furthermore, there should be a robust framework to protect the consumers from abrupt and steep hikes. Subsidies for low-income households and incentives for businesses adopting energy-efficient practices could be effective measures. It is also crucial for the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with the relevant stakeholders, including consumer rights groups, to ensure that the interests of the public are adequately represented.

Mahnoor Javed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2024