Clean energy transition: Call for consumer-centred approach

ISLAMABAD: TheNetwork for Consumer Protection has called for a consumer-centred approach to Pakistan’s clean energy transition, emphasizing affordable energy, effective public participation in regulatory decisions, reliable solar equipment and stronger consumer protection mechanisms.

The call was made at a one-day seminar titled “Putting Consumers at the Centre of Pakistan’s Clean Energy Transition,” organized by TheNetwork in Islamabad on Thursday. Representatives of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Pakistan Alternative Energy Association (PAEA), consumer groups and lawmakers participated in the discussions.

Addressing the conference, TheNetwork CEO Nadeem Iqbal said consumer protection was a continuous process rather than a one-time act. He said consumers must have the information, resources and institutional support necessary to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting electricity tariffs, fuel prices, rooftop solar and energy efficiency.

He observed that consumers entering regulatory hearings often faced a significant disadvantage compared with utilities and fuel companies, which employ highly paid lawyers, consultants, financial analysts and technical experts to defend their tariff petitions and pricing proposals. Ordinary consumers, by contrast, frequently lack simplified documents, technical guidance and the capacity to analyse complex submissions.

Member Punjab Assembly, Tahira Mushtaq, highlighted the growing pressure of energy costs on household finances and poverty. She called for electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to expand access to solar energy for consumers and adjust the cost through electricity bills, helping households manage the burden of expensive energy. She also stressed the need for public representatives to ensure that clean energy initiatives reached ordinary and low-income consumers.

During the session on energy efficiency, NEECA representatives discussed the authority’s work under the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, 2016, across buildings, industry, transport, power and agriculture. The discussion covered energy audits, building energy codes, demand-side management and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Rooshan Rajput, Assistant, NEECA highlighted the Pakistan Energy Label Regulations 2023–2024, which provide for star-rating labels on regulated appliances, including air conditioners, electric fans and LED lighting. She said consumers could use QR codes on product labels or consult NEECA’s official website to verify registered products and make more informed purchasing decisions. She reported that approximately 70,000 labels had been issued for air conditioners across three registered manufacturers, alongside 50,000 labels covering electric fans across 107 registered models, while 117 LED lighting models had been approved.

The session on NEPRA and consumers examined public hearings, tariff determinations, rooftop solar approvals and the handling of consumer complaints. Ayesha Khan, Head of Sustainability Development at Synercon Group, emphasised consumer education and transparent regulatory decision-making.

The CCP session examined competition and consumer protection in the expanding solar market. Bushra Naz Malik, Member of the CCP, discussed provisions of the Competition Act relating to abuse of dominance, prohibited agreements and deceptive marketing practices. Referring to the Commission’s study, “Unlocking Green Potential: A Market Competition Study of Solar Energy in Pakistan,” she highlighted the importance of addressing market weaknesses and ensuring reliable products. The discussion also emphasised stronger quality controls for solar panels and battery energy storage systems.

Zain Khan, Executive Member of PAEA, stressed the importance of quality assurance early in the supply chain, while Abdul Rehman of ICCI highlighted the lack of awareness among consumers and the need for accessible digital information to support informed purchasing decisions.

The seminar concluded with presentations of consumer experiences, documentary screenings and a showcase of Sabz Bijli.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026