Power consumers in Pakistan are set to pay an additional Re0.79 per unit for the month of May, according to a recent announcement by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). The extra charge comes as part of the fuel cost adjustment (FCA) charges for March.
The tariff hike will be applicable to all types of consumers, except for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and lifeline consumers. The increase will be clearly indicated on consumers’ bills, based on the units billed in March 2023.
It is worth noting that this increase comes amidst high fuel and electricity prices and a record inflation rate in the country.
Earlier in March, Nepra had granted permission to power distribution companies and K-Electric to recover deferred fuel adjustment surcharges from consumers in eight monthly instalments. Discos would charge Rs10.34 per unit from domestic protected consumers using up to 200 units per month, Rs14.24 per unit from non-protected consumers with a similar usage level, Rs14.24 per unit from those using 201-300 units per month, and Rs9.90 per unit from private agricultural consumers. The full amount would be recovered from consumers between March and October 2023.
Similarly, K-Electric was allowed to recover the deferred fuel adjustment surcharge from consumers for up to Rs13.87 per unit during the same period. The company would charge Rs9.97 per unit from domestic protected consumers using up to 200 units per month, Rs13.87 per unit from non-protected consumers with a similar usage level, Rs13.87 per unit from those using 201-300 units per month, and Rs9.90 per unit from private agricultural consumers.
