Nepra Raises Power Tariff For XWDiscos By Rs9.89 Per Unit, K-Electric Rs11.37.

ISLAMABAD -- National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Thursday increased the power tariff for the distribution companies (XWDiscos) and K-Electric by Rs9.89 per unit and Rs 11.37 per unit respectively on account of monthly fuel charges adjustment (FCA).

In a public hearing on the petitions of XWDiscos, the regulator noted that efficient power plants were under utilized in June, which has burdened the consumers with extra Rs 37.37 million. The hearing was presided over by Chairman NEPRA Tauseef.H.Farooqui.

In a petition submitted to NEPRA, on the behalf of power distribution companies (XWDISOCs), the CPPA-G said that for the month of June the reference fuel charges from the consumers were Rs 5.9344/unit while the actual fuel cost was Rs 15.8439/unit. The CPPA-G requested that it should be allowed to pass the increase of Rs 9.9095/unit to the consumers.

CPPA had sought a previous adjustment of more than Rs 10b in its request. The impact of system constraints was Rs73.86 million during June, the Nepra official informed. The shortage of LNG caused a burden of Rs 776.96 million. Expensive power plants were commissioned to generate electricity in June, the authorities informed.

The regulator expressed displeasure at NTDC's performance. The performance of NTDC is worst compared to DISCOs, member Sindh Nepra Rafiq Sheikh remarked during hearing. He said that that the condition of NTDC is so bad that is threatening the people lives. 'We are tired of listening to people's complaints, NTDC is a complete mess,' Member Sindh Nepra. He said that NTDC has a very big role in the destruction of the country. The regulator made two adjustments to the demand made by CPPA-G. The first adjustment is related to M and E which is Rs 111.25 million (0.0082/unit) and adjustments by technical -auxiliary of NTDC and energy Rs 0.0041/unit. It has been decided that the increase will be Rs 9.8972/unit.

Chairman NEPRA asked Power Division officials, will there be loadshedding, if spot LNG is not purchased for power generation? What strategy will the government adopt? he further asked. The CPPA officials informed that coal supply for power generation has improved. They are also taking steps to keep the grid stable, the official added. Earlier, NEPRA conducted public hearing on the petition of KE on fuel charges adjustments (FCA) for June 2022. The utility, in its petition for FCA, had sought an increase of Rs 11.389/unit.

Electricity price has...