THIS is with reference to government’s hybrid plan to tackle power crisis. While it is, indeed, commendable that our leaders are proactively addressing the present crisis as well as anticipated problems that may arise from the ongoing conflict, I feel there could be more practical and cost-effective measures that may help the country manage the whole situation more efficiently.

Instead of resorting to two to three hours of power loadshedding, which inevitably forces the consumers to rely on diesel generators and other expensive alternative energy sources, thereby increasing the pressure on both individuals and the national economy, the government should make better use of the already installed solar power generation capacity available with both old and new consumers.

A temporary enhancement in the buy-back or net-metering rates for solar- generated electricity, particularly for the next few months, could really encourage consumers to export more power to the national grid during this emergency period. This approach would allow the grid to access comparatively low-cost electricity without requiring any fresh government investment in our power-generation infrastructure.

Such a measure would not only reduce the need for loadshedding, but would also enable citizens to contribute meaningfully towards overcoming the national crisis. They will simultaneously be receiving a fair and logical financial incentive in return.

Roofi Abdul Razzak
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026