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The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) on Saturday issued a strong rebuttal to rumors of a change in electricity peak hours, categorically denying the circulating claims as “baseless and misleading.” The clarification came amid widespread social media chatter suggesting that morning hours may be added to the current peak time slots, a move that would significantly affect domestic and commercial power bills.
The ministry confirmed that no revisions have been made to the current schedule of electricity peak hours, dismissing the reports as “fake news” and part of an actionable disinformation campaign.
Official Clarification Issued on X (formerly Twitter)
In a post shared on the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, officials stated plainly:
“Peak hours remain unchanged. Any reports suggesting otherwise are false and misleading.”
The statement was issued to quell confusion among electricity consumers after several unverified posts began circulating, particularly on WhatsApp and social media platforms, warning that morning usage would now be billed at peak rates.
Public Urged to Verify Through Official Channels
The Power Division has urged the public to rely solely on official sources such as ministry websites, verified social media handles, or announcements by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for updates related to electricity rates and schedules.
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“Spreading misinformation related to utility services not only confuses the public but may also be subject to action under applicable laws,” the ministry added.
Legal experts note that under Pakistan’s Cyber Crime laws, the intentional spread of false and damaging information—especially on regulated services like energy—can result in fines or criminal liability.
Why Peak Hour Timings Matter
Electricity peak hours refer to the period during which demand is highest, and consumers are charged elevated rates per unit of electricity. This pricing mechanism encourages off-peak consumption and helps utility companies manage grid loads.
Currently, Pakistan’s designated peak hours typically fall during evening times, especially from 6 PM to 10 PM, depending on the distribution company (DISCO). Any extension of this period into morning hours would have placed additional financial pressure on households and businesses already struggling with high power bills.
Public Reaction to the Rumor and Clarification
The rumor caused a temporary stir on social media, with many users sharing screenshots of forwarded messages that incorrectly claimed morning hours—especially between 7 AM and 10 AM—were being added to peak hour billing.
The Ministry’s prompt response, however, helped to contain the confusion. Many users applauded the government for issuing timely clarification before panic and speculation could escalate further.
