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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced Rs14 per unit relief on electricity bills for September and October, but it appears the relief applies only to single-phase meters, not three-phase meters. LESCO clarifies the distinction, citing technical reasons. #PunjabRelief #ElectricityBills #MaryamNawaz
Long News Article:
Punjab CM’s Electricity Bill Relief Controversy: Rs14 Per Unit Relief Applies Only to Single-Phase Meters
In a recent development regarding electricity bill relief announced by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, a significant discrepancy has emerged. The Chief Minister had promised a Rs14 per unit reduction in electricity bills for September and October, intended to benefit all consumers using between 201 and 500 units. However, it has come to light that this relief has only been applied to consumers with single-phase meters, while those with three-phase meters have not received the benefit.
The initial announcement by Chief Minister Nawaz aimed to provide financial relief to a broad range of consumers, including both single and three-phase meter users. However, the Ministry of Energy has directed that the relief be restricted to single-phase meter consumers only. This decision has led to confusion and dissatisfaction among consumers using three-phase meters, who are not receiving the promised reduction.
According to sources from the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), the discrepancy is due to the Ministry of Energy’s classification of three-phase meters. LESCO officials have stated that three-phase meters are considered commercial meters, and as such, the Rs14 per unit relief is not applicable to these meters. The relief is thus reserved for small consumers with single-phase meters.
The situation has caused frustration among three-phase meter users, who have been visiting LESCO offices daily in search of the relief they were led to believe would apply to all consumers. Despite the Chief Minister’s announcement, which suggested a broader scope of relief, the practical implementation has not met these expectations.
The Punjab government has reportedly been caught off guard by this development, as the matter is considered technical and outside the immediate purview of the provincial administration. The discrepancy highlights a communication gap between the provincial leadership and the implementation agencies responsible for executing the relief measures.
As the issue unfolds, there remains a call for clarification and resolution to ensure that the intended relief reaches all eligible consumers as promised. The Punjab government is expected to address the concerns raised by affected three-phase meter users and work towards a solution that aligns with the Chief Minister’s original announcement.