ECC approves Rs50b relief for power consumers

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has cleared a major relief package worth Rs50 billion for electricity consumers by redistributing levies collected from captive power plants back to the national grid users.

The ECC meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved several key financial summaries on Tuesday. The Power Division’s proposal to provide direct relief to grid consumers from captive transmission levy collections was given the go-ahead.

In another significant decision, the ECC sanctioned Rs3 billion for emergency relief and rehabilitation in Gilgit-Baltistan, where recent floods have caused heavy losses. The funds will cover tents, medicines, food supplies, and early recovery measures, as well as infrastructure reconstruction in the affected areas.

The state broadcaster, Pakistan Television Corporation , also secured financial backing. The ECC approved Rs3.81 billion out of a proposed Rs11 billion supplementary grant for payment of salaries, pensions, and operational expenses.

The remaining funds will be released on a quarterly basis. The committee, however, stressed that PTV must work toward reducing dependence on government bailouts and move toward financial sustainability.

Meanwhile, the ECC did not take up a summary regarding the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for Utility Stores Corporation employees, directing that the proposal be reviewed first by the committee constituted by the prime minister.

The Petroleum Division’s framework for recovering defaulted petroleum levy dues from M/s Cnergyico PK Limited, pending since 2019, was also approved. The ECC directed strict recovery of the outstanding amount under the agreed settlement.

Additionally, the ECC endorsed tariff terms for the Machike-Thallian Tarrujabba White Oil Pipeline project with Azerbaijan, a strategic venture aimed at boosting energy security and bilateral cooperation.