IPPs Receive Rs 450 Billion in Capacity Payments Despite Low Generation, Says Gohar Ejaz

Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have received substantial payments amounting to Rs 450 billion in the first three months of the current year.

Former caretaker commerce minister Gohar Ejaz shared data on the capacity payments to IPPs. “Various IPPs were paid Rs 150 billion monthly from January to March,” Ejaz stated.

He highlighted that 50 percent of the independent power producers are operating at below 10 percent of their generation capacity. “Four power plants are receiving Rs 10 billion monthly without generating electricity,” the former minister revealed.

“Our hard-earned money is being paid to 40 families in capacity payments,” Ejaz asserted. “These power plants should only be compensated when they generate electricity,” he added.

Ejaz also demanded representation for all stakeholders in the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).