ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has announced a power tariff increase of Rs2.56 per unit, resulting in an additional burden of over Rs33 billion on consumers’ electricity bills in August. This hike, revealed as part of the June fuel cost adjustment (FCA), will be reflected in the August billing cycle. Lifeline consumers and K-Electric users will be exempt from this increase.
This marks the second consecutive hike, following a Rs3.33 per unit increase in May, which was collected from consumers in July. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) had initially requested a Rs2.63 per unit increase, but Nepra approved a slightly lower adjustment after a hearing on July 31.
A recent Nepra inquiry highlighted that millions of users faced inflated bills during the April-June period, losing access to reduced rates and slab benefits. Meanwhile, the government has formed a task force to investigate issues related to capacity payments to independent power producers (IPPs) and operational inefficiencies in the power sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed former caretaker energy minister Muhammad Ali as a special assistant on energy and co-chairman of the task force, which is expected to deliver its findings within 30 days. Rising energy costs have raised concerns among exporters and domestic industries, who warn of increased prices and challenges in fulfilling export orders.
Story by Mubarak Zeb Khan
