ISLAMABAD: The federal government’s proposed ‘Winter Package 2024,’ aimed at boosting electricity consumption during winter, remains uncertain as conflicting reports emerge regarding International Monetary Fund (IMF) approval. The package seeks to lower electricity rates by Rs 7-8 per unit nationwide for five months, from December 2024 to April 2025, in an effort to increase domestic demand and reduce capacity charges.
Officials disclosed that the IMF has yet to fully approve the plan, despite a recent meeting where the government presented data on projected consumption increases and economic impacts. While one source claimed the IMF agreed to a three-month package from December to February, others indicated discussions are ongoing with no clear approval yet.
The winter plan may ultimately focus on industrial users with a single-rate slab of Rs 20-25 per unit, excluding residential consumers to manage subsidy costs. Finance Division approval is pending, and the Ministry of Finance awaits further feedback from the IMF before the package moves to the federal cabinet and National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
