The government is planning to introduce a new electricity tariff for industries aimed at encouraging greater use of the national grid, sources in the Power Division said.
Under the proposed policy, industrial consumers using less electricity may face heavier fixed charges, while those consuming more power could receive discounts through cheaper per-unit rates.
According to sources, the government is considering a new tariff structure for industrial consumers that would place higher fixed charges on industries with low electricity consumption.
At the same time, industries that use more electricity from the national grid may be offered cheaper power per unit.
Officials say the policy is designed to encourage industrial units to rely more on grid electricity instead of shifting away from the system.
Low usage may bring higher charges
The proposed tariff plan includes heavy charges for industries that use less electricity. Sources said the move is aimed at discouraging industries that are switching to solar power or reducing their dependence on the national grid.
The government believes that industries leaving the grid increase the financial burden on the power system, as fixed costs still have to be met.
Discounts for high electricity consumption
Under the new policy, industrial consumers with higher electricity usage may be offered discounted rates. Sources said industrial electricity rates could be brought down to 6 to 8 cents per unit for high-consumption users.
The aim is to make grid electricity more attractive for industries and increase overall power demand.
Sources in the Power Division said the new tariff policy is likely to be implemented within the next two months. In the initial phase, the tariff will apply only to industrial consumers.
However, sources said there is a possibility that the policy could be extended to commercial and domestic consumers in the next phase.
Plan shared with IMF
The proposed tariff plan has also been shared with the International Monetary Fund. Sources said the IMF has sought data on electricity consumption and on industries leaving the national grid.
The information will help assess the impact of the proposed policy on the power sector and overall demand.
Officials estimate that the new policy could increase electricity demand by around 1,000 megawatts. They say the policy is necessary to meet the costs of the national grid and keep the power system financially sustainable.
Officials added that the main objective is to encourage industries to use electricity from the national grid and reduce the pressure created by falling industrial demand.
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