Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Shah announced that federal authorities assured the provincial government that no tax would be imposed on solar energy system equipment. Shah made this statement during the provincial assembly’s question hour, as reported by The News.
Addressing lawmakers’ queries, Shah stated that imposing a tax on solar power equipment would be unfair to consumers already burdened by high electricity bills.
The provincial government had previously expressed its concerns to federal authorities about the potential tax on solar power equipment. Shah assured legislators that he would discuss unannounced load-shedding and over-billing with the CEOs of K-Electric, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco), and Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco).
He noted that power distribution companies (DISCOs) are criticized for extended load-shedding during important board exams in the province. Shah emphasized that only those defaulting on electricity bill payments should face disconnection, not entire neighborhoods.
The provincial government pledged full support to DISCOs in tackling electricity theft and bill non-payment. Shah also highlighted the injustice of sending inflated electricity bills to consumers who endure daily power outages amid a severe heatwave.
