ISLAMABAD: The recent study report issued by the Competition Commission of Pakistan has revealed a significant surge in electricity prices across the country, mentioning a 155 percent increase over the past three years.
The report underlines the growing financial burden on consumers and the resulting shift toward alternative energy sources, particularly solar power.
The key factors contributing to the rise in electricity costs include capacity payments and the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee. These elements have collectively escalated the overall cost of power generation and distribution.
The report further notes that despite ongoing efforts to expand energy access, millions of consumers in Pakistan remain without reliable electricity.
Pakistan is estimated to have a solar energy production potential of approximately 29,000 megawatts, which exceeds current national requirements.
This untapped capacity presents a significant opportunity for addressing the country’s energy challenges while promoting cleaner energy sources.
Additionally, the report mentions a substantial increase in the import of solar panels from China. Over the past five years, Pakistan has emerged as one of the notable markets in the global solar industry.
However, it also points out that a considerable portion of the solar sector in the country remains undocumented, indicating gaps in regulation and data collection.
