Despite ongoing hourly load shedding affecting current users, the federal government has unveiled an ambitious plan to issue over 1.75 million new electricity connections within the next fiscal year, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Thursday.
This initiative aims to expand electricity access to new consumers and villages across the country.
According to official documents, the government plans to provide 1,775,643 new electricity connections and extend electricity services to 6,937 new villages. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve energy infrastructure and distribution.
The Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has set a target of more than 3.3 million new connections over the next four and a half years, while the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) aims to issue connections to four and a half lakh new users. The Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) plans to provide 283,266 new connections, and the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) targets over 268,000 new connections.
MEPCO also plans to electrify 2,440 new villages, while 1,500 villages are expected to receive electricity under MEPCO's management. Additionally, FESCO and the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) have plans to extend electricity to 1,000 new villages each.
This expansive plan comes as the country grapples with frequent load shedding, raising concerns about the reliability of the current electricity supply system and the feasibility of such a large-scale expansion.
The government's efforts to boost electricity access underscore the pressing need to balance expanding infrastructure with ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for existing and future consumers.
Reporter: Awais Kiyani