Nepra allows XWDiscos to charge additional Re0.79/unit from consumers.

ISLAMABAD -- The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Thursday allowed the ex: WAPDA Discos to charge an additional Re0.7917 per unit from consumers on account of monthly fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for March.

The increase will burden the power consumers of XWDiscos by additional around Rs7.8 billion (including GST) which they will pay in May 2023 power bills. NEPRA had conducted public hearing on the Central Power Purchasing Agency Guarantee Limited (CPPA: G) petition for the hike of Re 1.1738/unit in the tariff on account of monthly FCA for March, however the regulator after initial workout has calculated that the increase will be Re0.0.7917/unit.

The hike will not be applicable to Lifeline customers, said a NEPRA decision issued here. In a petition submitted to NEPRA, on the behalf of power distribution companies (XWDISCOs), the CPPA: G said that for the month of March the reference fuel charges from the consumers were Rs 8.7122 per unit, while the total cost per unit, including previous adjustments/arrears, was Rs 9.8860 per unit. The CPPA: G has requested that it should be allowed to pass the increase of Rs1.1738 per unit to the consumers. CPPA: G in the instant monthly FCA has also claimed Rs.13.38 billion as arrears, which was previously withheld by the Authority in June 2021. Out of total claim of Rs. 13.38 billion, an amount of Rs. 8.764 billion has been verified and Rs. 819 million has been disallowed. The verified amount of Rs.8.746 million has been included while working out the FCA of March 2023. Regarding remaining amount of Rs. 3.802 billion which is under process of verification, CPPA: G during hearing requested to allow the same on provisional basis, considering the high interest charges on pending amount which is neither in the interest of consumers nor the power sector.

The Authority keeping in view the request of CPPA: G has decided to allow the remaining amount of Rs. 3.802 billion on provisional basis in the FCA of March 2023, subject to adjustment based on outcome of final verification. It was observed that during March 2023, the system operator had curtailed the drawl of energy from efficient power plants due to following reasons along: with financial impact of such deviations; system constraints i.e. due to overloading of Thar: Matiari CCT, Rs.275 million, due to contractual obligations, Rs.412 million, due to permanent fault, Rs. 485 million and due to North South Balancing Rs.78 million In...