IT is surprising to note that the minister for power has asked various power distribution companies (Discos) tooutsource the energy bills collection, especially where power thieves and defaulters are in large numbers.
Many questions arise in this regard.
Wapda was divided into many Discos with the aim of ultimate privatisation to get rid of inefficiency, increasing power theft and losses many years ago.
However, there has been dismal performance by a majority of these companies with poor service, theft, losses, scheduled and unscheduled breal(downs and piling up of public complaints.
Also, the tariff has been increasing.
One of the factors is attributed to the increase in administration and technical establishments` expenditure.
The half-hearted power restructuring is not paying and is likely to make the power operation more costly and complex.
For example, the recent decision by the power minister to outsource the electricity billing system cannot give results and remove consumers` grievances.
It is better if the government sells electricity at bulk rates to privatised Discos who should be responsible for retail selling of electricity and for operation and maintenance of their respective distribution systems.
The power policies need to be revisited with transparency, including all aspects of this complex business. Decisions taken in this regard can make or break the economy.
