The selling off social panels in the local market in on the rise as factors like costly electricity and overbilling are compelling the Karachiites to turn to renewable energy.
The monthly electricity bill of a typical middle-income Karachi used to be in hundreds before the privatisation of the KESC is now in thousands of rupees.
Like whole world the privatisation of civic utilities has also played havoc with income of Karachiites and many low-income families are spending up to 25 per cent of their income in paying their electricity bills. The citizens of low-income localities say they pay thousands of rupees in the head of their electricity bill, despite their localities brave 6 to 7 hours load shedding daily.
They said in low-income localities a two-room house is available for a monthly rent of Rs5000 but the electricity bill of such houses is often higher than their rent. The government and commercial banks need giving soft loans for purchase of solar panels to the citizens, as it would not only save them from cruel electricity charges and on the other hand help to keep the environment clean and green.
In Karachi electricity consumers are being looted with both hands, said Ahmed Bux, an employee at a local firm. He said he is a low-paid employee and almost 30 per cent of his salary goes to pay utility bills.
He said, “Electricity bill of his modest and small house having no air-conditioning machine or other such luxuries devours a major portion of his income.”
“Costly electricity is compelling people to buy solar panels,” he added.
“People like me would be happy if solar panels and batteries are provided on easy instalments or hire-purchase method funded by some major commercial banks.”
“Concerned departments of the government should pay a serious consideration to this issue.”
Ayaz, a shopkeeper of electricity appliances in interior Sindh, said this summer they have sold electricity panels in interior Sindh like hot cakes.
He said in the interior Sindh people are buying solar panels to fight unbearable heat during long load shedding spells.
“You can now find some solar panels over huts of small villages and roadside teashops in rural areas. Next summer we are planning to buy more stock of solar panels as it is a lucrative business,” he added.
All Pakistan Association of Small Traders and Cottage Industries (APAST&CI) Karachi Chapter President, Mehmood Hamid said, “Small traders have been braving very heavy electricity bills and they could get rid of these expenses if they install solar panels over the rooftops of their shops or markets.”
He said that there is a need for proper awareness in this regard if the government waves off all duties and taxes on solar panels and their accessories people can get them at much-reduced rates.
“Market associations could also install bigger solar energy systems at their markets to reduce their electricity overhead,” he said.
Pasban e Pakistan President Altaf Shakoor said, “The plights of the electricity consumers of Karachi are not hidden from anybody. However, big political parties are not raising this issue as they do not want to anger the private electricity supply monopoly of Karachi.”
“If every household and shop in Karachi install at least one solar panel they could get rid of costly power bills to some extent. He said the whole world is turning to green energy and the Karachiites should also get benefit from it.”
He further urged the federal and provincial governments to introduce schemes for making use of solar energy at grassroots level more popular in our society, as it would not only improve savings of citizens, boost economy but also help in fight environmental pollution, as renewable energy is a pollution-free solution to growing electricity demand.
It seems like there is even more of a case for solar power if energy cost is high and stability of supply is variable. There would be no shortage of sun in this country during the day but the set-up would also need some form of storage for night time when most of the demand for energy is likely to be if people are out at work during the day. I really feel sorry for these people who have to be such a high percentage of their income on electricity. It makes you wonder why the cost is so high! Jase Davidson
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