NEPRA Approves Winter Electricity Package for Consumers

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved the federal government’s Winter Demand Initiative, extending its benefits to consumers of XDISCOs and K-Electric (KE).

The program, aimed at encouraging electricity usage during winter, will now include industrial net metering and wheeling users, previously omitted from the plan.

Under the initiative, additional electricity consumed compared to the previous year will cost Rs. 26.07 per unit for three months, from December to February. Relief from this initiative will appear in consumers’ December bills.

NEPRA clarified that the program is subsidy-neutral and will not affect the approved tariff. Marginal cost variations, if any, will be addressed through monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCAs). To ensure fairness, KE consumers will also receive the same benefits as other distribution companies, with adjustments applied to their tariffs.

Additionally, NEPRA approved a Rs. 1.14 per unit reduction in October’s FCA for XDISCO consumers, citing lower fuel costs. However, this reduction excludes lifeline users, prepaid customers, and EV charging stations. Power Minister Owais Leghari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further lowering electricity prices for consumers.