ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumers are poised to receive a relief of Rs1.03 per unit under the fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for December 2024, pending approval by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
During a public hearing, the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee (CPPA-G) highlighted that seasonal adjustments had contributed to lower electricity prices. However, the prolonged shutdown of the 969MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant has deprived consumers of cheap electricity, impacting overall tariff reductions. Additionally, the non-operation of the 747MW Guddu power plant was questioned, but CPPA-G did not provide a clear explanation.
If NEPRA approves the adjustment, consumers may see the benefit in February electricity bills, though lifeline consumers, electric vehicle charging stations, and K-Electric customers will be excluded.
According to CPPA-G data, nuclear energy remained a major contributor to Pakistan’s power mix in December 2024, generating 2,065 GWh (26.48%), surpassing hydroelectric power (22.8%) and RLNG-based generation (20.7%). Nuclear energy also remained the leading source in January 2025, continuing its trend as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy option.
Earlier this month, NEPRA approved a tariff reduction of up to 75 paisa per unit for ex-WAPDA DISCOs and K-Electric consumers due to variations in fuel costs for previous months. The reduction applied to November 2024 for DISCOs and October 2024 for K-Electric, with reimbursements reflected in January 2025 bills.
Meanwhile, transmission and transformation (T&T) losses remain a concern. National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) reported provisional T&T losses of 244.158 GWh (2.946%) in November 2024, while the Matiari-Lahore HVDC line recorded 3.391% losses—both exceeding the allowed thresholds.
Story by Zafar Bhutta
