**PPP Slams Federal Government’s Alternative Energy Policy**
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has launched a scathing attack on the federal government’s new alternative energy policy, calling it harmful to consumers and detrimental to the country’s renewable energy future. PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri announced the party’s “absolute rejection” of the policy, as reported by ARY News on Saturday.
Marri condemned the government’s changes to net metering regulations. These changes force solar energy users to sell electricity back to the grid at a drastically reduced rate of 10 rupees per unit, down from the previous 27 rupees. Meanwhile, these same consumers must buy electricity from the national grid at rates exceeding 65 rupees per unit.
Marri described this as a “direct assault” on alternative energy consumers and a betrayal of Pakistan’s green energy goals. She highlighted the 550% price disparity, labeling the policy “economically unfair and unjust.” Marri further accused the federal government of allowing corruption, inefficiency, and the influence of “mafias” to thrive within the power sector.
The PPP spokesperson dismissed government claims that net metering places a minimal burden on consumers. She argued that the real financial strain comes from “idle capacity payments” and a staggering Rs 600 billion annual loss due to power theft and unpaid bills.
Instead of tackling these core issues, Marri stated, the government is punishing those who seek energy independence. She warned that the new policy could cripple Pakistan’s solar energy sector, making solar power economically impossible for both homes and businesses.
Furthermore, Marri argued that the policy will discourage both local and foreign investment in renewable energy. This would lock Pakistan into a reliance on outdated and inefficient power grids, forcing consumers to pay inflated electricity prices and hindering green energy development.
In a strong conclusion, Marri characterized the federal government’s actions as an attack on Pakistan’s energy and economic sovereignty. She demanded the immediate withdrawal of the policy and called for legal action against those responsible. The PPP, she declared, is ready to fight the policy through judicial, political, and public channels if needed.