Provincial Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed NasirHussain Shah, announced that efforts are underway to distribute 50,000 solar home panels to the public this August. Speaking to the media on Friday, Shah expressed confidence that the distribution process would be completed promptly. Nasir Shah detailed that the Pakistan Peoples Party’s manifesto promised up to 300 units of free electricity to the public, a plan that is now significantly advanced.
He affirmed that the project would be completed as per Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s election promises. The Energy Minister addressed concerns over rising electricity bills, noting that many people are struggling to manage expenses due to high utility costs. “The rising cost of electricity is causing significant distress among the public. Our party is aware of these challenges and, following Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s directives, is committed to providing relief through affordable and free electricity,” he said.
Nasir Shah highlighted that Sindh has abundant alternative energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydro power. He noted that President Asif Ali Zardari supports the promotion of solar energy, aiming to provide the public with cost-effective electricity. Consequently, solar initiatives are rapidly advancing across the province, with several projects nearing completion. He further mentioned the establishment of solar parks in various districts, which will feed generated electricity to the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC).
Shah also pointed out that Sindh is the first province in the country to set up a regulatory body similar to NEPRA, known as SEPR, and an STDC to provide cheaper electricity tariffs. These measures aim to offer substantial relief to both domestic and industrial consumers.
The Energy Minister assured that the distribution of solar systems in August is part of a broader initiative to distribute two lakh solar systems, with a strong emphasis on merit and transparency.
