The power distribution companies (DISCOs) are in a state of confusion over the facility of cheaper electricity tariff to the exporting industry, said sources. They said the DISCOs were not sure whether the reduced tariff of 7.5 cents included all other encumbrances and surcharges as no notification has been issued so far. However, the exporting industry circles are of the view that the reduced tariff is inclusive of all other charges in a bill.

The sources said the DISCOs were in a fix in the absence of a notification regarding reduction in power tariff by the government. Earlier, other utility agencies were also in a similar situation until the federal finance ministry issued a notification to decide the fate of billions of rupees subsidy being extended to the exporting industry to boost exports.

It may be noted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is following a strategy of supporting the exporting industry to boost exports and earn foreign exchange to deal with the current account deficit.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019