Shahid Rasheed Butt, former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, has strongly criticized the government’s energy policies, stating in a statement on Wednesday that the government is placing an unfair burden on solar energy consumers. The administration is accused of shifting the problems arising from expensive agreements onto individuals who are using solar energy.
Shahid Rasheed Butt highlighted that residential solar consumers across Pakistan are being forced to pay bribes of up to fifty thousand rupees for the installation of green meters. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial consumers face payments of two to three hundred thousand rupees, which he describes as open looting. He urged the government to implement clear and consistent regulations to eliminate corruption.
Butt added that the lack of transparency and policy uncertainty are discouraging investment in the solar industry, causing the public to become disillusioned with frequent policy changes. Claims are made that solar installations burden the national grid and cost general consumers over one hundred billion rupees, but he insists that the real financial burden stems from expensive IPP agreements, transmission failures, and widespread corruption.
Furthermore, Butt revealed that consumers who have installed green meters are now receiving threatening notices, which he described as a serious form of exploitation. The newly installed meters, manufactured by favored suppliers, are faulty and are causing significant billing issues for consumers. The financial responsibility for these new meters has also been unfairly placed on consumers, with payments being collected illegally and sometimes in installments.
Butt warned that if corruption is not eliminated and necessary reforms are not made, the country’s economic situation will continue to deteriorate. He criticized the government’s strategies being used to prevent citizens from reducing their electricity costs, calling them oppressive.
To protect consumer rights, Butt appealed for the establishment of an effective grievance redressal mechanism. He warned that if significant changes are not made, the promotion of solar energy will be hindered, and consumers may turn to expensive battery systems, which could further exacerbate the energy crisis.