Govt Ends Collection of Duty From Electricity Bills

Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari has asked all provincial governments to abolish the electricity duty collected through monthly power bills starting July 1, 2025. The minister has called for provincial cooperation to support the federal government’s reform agenda. He also recommended that provinces explore alternative revenue sources instead of taxing electricity bills. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week announced to end of the Pakistan Television (PTV) license fee from power bills nationwide. The prime minister, speaking at the launch of the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” app, highlighted ongoing reforms to reduce costs. He said annual electricity theft amounts to Rs. 500 billion and called for urgent action. He also noted that solar energy is reducing national power consumption and confirmed the government would continue supporting solarization efforts. The prime minister further stated that electricity prices had been reduced by Rs. 4.5 per unit through negotiations with independent power producers, along with another Rs. 7.5 per unit cut due to lower global oil prices.