Nawaz Sharif announces Rs14/unit relief for power consumers in Punjab

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, Nawaz Sharif, has announced a significant relief package aimed at easing the burden of electricity costs for consumers in Punjab, particularly targeting low-income households.

This initiative is part of the party’s ongoing efforts to address the economic challenges faced by the public, especially in light of rising energy prices.

During a press conference, Nawaz Sharif revealed that electricity consumers who use up to 500 units per month will benefit from a reduction of Rs 14 per unit. This relief is specifically designed to support those who are most vulnerable to the economic pressures caused by high utility costs.

The former Prime Minister emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that it would provide much-needed financial relief to millions of households across Punjab.

Nawaz Sharif also took the opportunity to commend Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her role in spearheading this relief effort. He announced that under her leadership, the Punjab government would be launching an ambitious solar panel scheme aimed at providing sustainable and long-term relief to electricity consumers.

The solar panel initiative is expected to be a game-changer in reducing electricity bills in the future, as it will help households generate their own electricity and rely less on the national grid.

To support this solar panel scheme, the Punjab government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 700 billion. This investment is not only expected to lower electricity costs for consumers but also to promote renewable energy sources within the province. By encouraging the use of solar energy, the government aims to reduce the overall demand on the power grid, ultimately leading to lower energy prices for everyone.

The relief package, which includes the Rs 14 per unit reduction for consumers using up to 500 units, is estimated to cost the Punjab government Rs 45 billion. Despite the significant financial commitment, Nawaz Sharif stressed that the initiative is necessary to provide immediate relief to those struggling with high electricity bills.

In his address, Nawaz Sharif also praised Shehbaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister, for his ongoing efforts to support the people of Pakistan during these challenging times. He urged Shehbaz Sharif to cooperate fully with the solar panel scheme, not only in Punjab but also in other provinces, to ensure that the benefits of this initiative are felt nationwide.

The announcement from Nawaz Sharif came in the wake of calls from President Asif Ali Zardari for the federal government to take decisive action to alleviate the financial burden on the public.