Death spiral

This letter refers to the news report ‘Power consumers to face Rs4.66/unit hike in January bills’ (December, 28, 2023). Evidently, the government doesn’t have any clue as to how to fix the power sector. This sector is in a death spiral, one of our own making, already. To cover the costs of inefficiency and mismanagement, the government invariably opts for the easiest way out – increasing consumer rates. Each such hike leads to further shrinking of sales as more consumers seek alternatives, legitimate as well as illegitimate, to grid supply.

Every government upon assuming office, and the present one is no exception, sets out to reinvent the wheel, using task forces and working groups to devise fast-track plans and initiatives. Such ad hoc approaches must change as the power sector’s problems are chronic, complex, and deep-rooted. Only a visionary leadership, capable of making bold and politically difficult decisions, and a painstakingly devised set of policies and plans can save the power sector.

Dr Shahid Rahim

Bahawalpur