The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved a Rs5 per unit increase in electricity prices for February 2024 due to fuel cost adjustment. This decision, reached after concluding hearings on a tariff hike petition, is expected to strain the already burdened masses further grappling with inflation.
During the hearings, a NEPRA member highlighted that consumers bear higher prices primarily because of reduced electricity demand. The shift from cheaper local coal to expensive LNG has escalated electricity costs significantly.
READ ALSO — Electricity Bills Poised for Another Increase in Pakistan Due to Fuel Cost Adjustment
NEPRA member Rafiq Sheikh emphasized that costly fuel options for power generation deplete foreign exchange reserves and impose heavy financial burdens on consumers.
A representative from Balochistan expressed concern that the public will face a staggering increase of Rs7.63 per unit in March.
Authorities from the Power Division informed NEPRA that the government intends to recover Rs1.2 trillion from electricity consumers. They also reported that measures taken against electricity theft resulted in curbing losses worth Rs1.16 billion from September 7 to March 25.
