The Power Division has strongly rejected reports suggesting that the government plans to penalize industries for reducing grid electricity consumption or switching to solar energy, calling such claims misleading and factually incorrect.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Power Division clarified that no proposal has been shared with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose penalties on industrial consumers for using less than their sanctioned electricity load or for adopting solar and other off-grid energy solutions.
The clarification comes in response to media reports claiming that a new power tariff was being introduced to discourage industries from moving away from the national grid. According to the Power Division, the reports misinterpreted an optional tariff proposal currently under consideration.
Under the proposed model, consumers would have the option to choose a tariff structure featuring higher fixed charges and lower variable energy costs. The alternative tariff is designed to benefit industries with continuous operations, stable demand, and high electricity utilization rates by offering greater cost predictability.
Officials emphasized that the proposed tariff would be entirely voluntary, and industries that do not find it suitable would be free to remain on the existing tariff system without facing any penalties or disadvantages.
The Power Division further stated that portraying the proposal as a punitive measure against solar adoption creates unnecessary confusion among businesses and stakeholders. It reiterated that the government’s objective is to provide consumers with more pricing options rather than discourage investment in renewable energy.
The spokesperson urged media outlets and stakeholders to ensure public discussions on energy-sector reforms are based on accurate information and technical understanding.
