NEPRA approves Rs3.28 per unit hike in power tariff. There will be no relief for Pakistanis suffering from inflation as the price of energy would climb by Rs3.28 per unit, setting a new record for high electricity bills.
As protests over the high power rates spread across the nation, the Power Regulator allowed a second increase due to an adjustment in fuel costs.
The increase of Rs3.28/unit resulted from the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) mechanism, which was implemented to handle the additional burden of capacity prices following an increase in interest rates and rupee depreciation, among other factors.
Also read: NEPRA slashes power tariff by Rs2.31 per unit
According to reports, the energy ministry’s power division initially requested a Rs6.20 per unit adjustment for the fourth quarter of the 2022–23 fiscal year (FY) for ex–Wapda distribution firms (Discos) to make up the Rs146 billion shortfall within three months.
As NEPRA approves Rs3.28 per unit hike in power tariff, the current decision by NEPRA will take effect right away after receiving approval from the temporary administration.
Discos aim to recover Rs159 from electricity users between October 2023 and March 2024.
Earlier in September, protests about rising electricity prices that are troublesome for millions took place in various Pakistani cities.
People in distress held protest demonstrations on major thoroughfares for all types of traffic, causing hours-long traffic jams and even burning banknotes, but to no avail.
Pakistan’s energy supply is governed by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority.
Additionally, it is in charge of approving utility company investment and power acquisition programmes, granting licences for the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity, establishing and enforcing standards to guarantee quality and safety of operation and supply of electricity to consumers, and setting prices for the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
