Calls for HESCO Privatization Increase
Calls for outsourcing grow amid outages, rising tariffs, and corruption concerns
Saad khan 
Islamabad: Business leaders in Hyderabad are intensifying calls for the privatisation of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco), pointing to ongoing issues such as outages, corruption, and rising tariffs. They emphasize that Hesco's failure to provide consistent electricity supply to both commercial establishments and residential consumers due to inefficiency and corruption has led to significant discontent.
President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry, Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani, plans to address the federal government directly, urging them to consider privatising Hesco to alleviate consumer hardships. He highlighted that technical staff retirements and delays in fault repairs during peak summer conditions have exacerbated the situation. Shaikhani also raised concerns about substandard materials purchased by Hesco over the past decade, suggesting the need for a thorough investigation.
Adeel Siddiqui, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI), echoed these sentiments, stressing that unless Hesco improves infrastructure and removes corrupt elements within its ranks, including union leaders, privatisation remains the most viable solution. Siddiqui noted ongoing efforts by the chamber to engage with Hesco management to address billing discrepancies and power theft issues, which he claims are exacerbated by staff complicity.
Both leaders criticized NEPRA's decision to increase electricity tariffs, particularly for commercial and industrial customers, describing it as an additional burden amid challenging economic conditions. They also lamented the impact of frequent power outages on local businesses, citing disruptions to operations and livelihoods.
In conclusion, the business community in Hyderabad continues to advocate for Hesco's privatisation as a necessary step to improve service delivery, reduce corruption, and ensure reliable electricity supply for consumers across the region.
