Karachi: Consumers in Pakistan are reportedly incurring costs of Rs 2.2 trillion for ‘ghost’ electricity—power that is neither produced nor consumed but is billed and recovered through capacity charges, according to Altaf Shakoor of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP).

Shakoor pointed out that Pakistan uniquely suffers from the phenomenon of ‘ghost’ institutions and employees, now extending to electricity. He criticized the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for allegedly supporting private power producers over consumers, resulting in these charges.

He highlighted a recent Senate standing committee’s observation that Nepra favors power producers, allowing Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to avoid scrutiny and audits while consumers pay for unused electricity. Established nearly three decades ago, Nepra was meant to protect consumers but is now perceived as a proponent of power producers, Shakoor said.

Shakoor expressed concern that previous rulers approved agreements detrimental to national interests, granting undue financial benefits to IPPs—a decision he described as a financial coup against the Pakistani people, facilitated by their own leaders.

According to Shakoor, IPPs are significantly harming the national economy by making electricity costly, impacting industries and increasing profits at the country’s expense. He described the situation as a conspiracy involving rulers and Nepra.

He warned that the expensive electricity could lead to mass protests due to rising prices and urged Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces, to address the issue. Shakoor called for accountability of government officials who supported agreements favoring IPPs, demanding fair electricity rates for consumers.