Consumers of Karachi Electric (KE) may have to brace themselves for a surge in their electricity bills, as reports suggest that the power tariff is likely to be raised by Rs6 per unit. The federal government has recently sought an increase from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to compensate for the two quarterly fuel cost adjustments (FCA).
The application filed by the government is currently under consideration, and NEPRA will hear the matter on April 3. If approved, the increased tariff will be implemented from April to June 2023, resulting in higher electricity bills for consumers.
However, the rise in power tariff is expected to add to the woes of millions of Pakistanis who are struggling to make ends meet amid a deepening cost of living crisis. The country’s 220 million people have been hit hard by inflation, which is at a 48-year high, and the financial consequences of last year’s devastating floods.
As the nation grapples with a worsening economic and political situation, citizens have been taking to the streets to protest against the government’s policies. The crisis has little precedent in the nation’s post-independence history, and the situation seems to be worsening with each passing day.
The current financial crisis has also raised concerns over the availability of electricity during the summer season, as Pakistan faces a shortfall in power. This often leads to prolonged power outages across the country, which is expected to further worsen the situation for consumers.
Furthermore, earlier this month, NEPRA allowed power distribution companies (Discos) and K-Electric to recover deferred fuel adjustment surcharges up to Rs14.24 per unit from consumers over a period of eight months. As per NEPRA’s decision, Discos will recover the surcharge from consumers using 0-200 units per month, whereas K-Electric will recover the surcharge from both protected and non-protected consumers.
The entire amount will be collected from electricity consumers in monthly installments from March to October 2023. This move has not gone down well with the consumers, who are already struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.
