ISLAMABAD: There is a possibility of electricity becoming more expensive across the country, as the hearing at NEPRA has been completed.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has concluded the hearing on the request for a monthly fuel charge adjustment (FCA) for Karachi and the entire country. The authority has reserved its decision on the proposal to increase electricity prices by Rs1.78 per unit, which will be announced later.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) had submitted the January monthly adjustment request to NEPRA, seeking an increase of Rs1.78 per unit.
During the hearing, it was briefed that 8.76 billion units of electricity were sold in January.
The estimated fuel cost per unit for January was Rs10.39, but the actual fuel cost turned out to be Rs12.17 per unit.
CPPA officials stated that the price increase occurred due to lower hydel (hydro) power generation and higher overall consumption.
NEPRA Member (Punjab) Amna Ahmed remarked during the hearing that electricity prices are rising, adding, “We were hoping for improvement, but things are moving in the opposite direction.” She questioned why furnace oil-based power plants were operated in January.
Officials replied that these plants were run to meet the increased peak demand.
NEPRA Member Maqsood Anwar noted that the requested increase was mainly due to the use of furnace oil.
Amna Ahmed reiterated that the situation is going contrary to expectations.
It may be noted that the application was filed by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA).
