War on solar

The government is reportedly considering a rationalization of buyback rates of net metering electricity to Rs11 per unit from the current Rs21 per unit. This will be a cruel act on the part of the incumbent government towards those who use solar power.

Despite trying to promote the adoption of solar energy on the one hand, the centre appears to be trying to discourage it with the other. Such anti-people policies are unacceptable. The incumbent government needs to support the poor inflation-stricken people by not adding to their financial woes.

Engr Asim Nawab

Islamabad

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The government is now reportedly considering a tax on individuals using solar panels for residential or commercial purposes and to further reduce the buyback rates for net metered electricity. These proposals of taxing and reducing the buyback rates, are highly unjustified as the solar panels are bought, installed and maintained by individuals trying to avoid hefty electricity bills.

The taxes are also paid on all purchases and on the buildings where installed. The government on the other hand is paying the full contracted amount, in US dollars, to the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) according to their capacity regardless of the production and unjustifiably charging those producing clean and environmentally friendly electricity through their own resources.

Air Cdre (r) M Khalid Kamal

Islamabad