Islamabad (Commerce Desk): The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has completed hearings on a request that could lead to higher electricity prices across Pakistan, including in Karachi. The hearing concerned the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA)’s application to increase tariffs by PKR 1.78 per unit under the monthly adjustment mechanism, and NEPRA has reserved its decision, which will be announced later.
According to the CPPA, during January, 876 million units of electricity were sold, with estimated fuel costs of PKR 10.39 per unit, while the actual cost was PKR 12.17 per unit. Officials said the price increase is due to lower hydropower output and higher demand.
NEPRA member Amna Ahmed questioned the use of furnace oil-based plants, and officials explained that these plants were operated to meet peak demand. Member Maqsood Anwar added that the requested increase is mainly due to furnace oil usage. CPPA stated that if approved, the hike would apply to all electric consumers in line with government policy guidelines.
