Electricity prices are expected to increase by Rs. 1.78 per unit across the country including Karachi following National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) hearing on a proposed tariff adjustment and new decision on the matter.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) had submitted a request for a monthly fuel adjustment for January, seeking an increase of Rs. 1.78 per unit. The final decision will be announced later after regulatory review.
During the hearing, officials revealed that around 8.76 billion units of electricity were sold in January. The estimated fuel cost was Rs. 10.39 per unit, but the actual cost rose significantly to Rs. 12.17 per unit, leading to the proposed increase.
Authorities explained that lower hydropower generation and higher electricity demand were the main reasons behind the rising cost. To meet peak demand, expensive furnace oil-based power plants had to be used, which pushed up overall generation costs.
NEPRA members expressed concern over the situation. Member Punjab Aamna Ahmed questioned why costly furnace oil plants were used, noting that electricity prices continue to rise instead of improving. She remarked that the situation appears to be moving in the opposite direction of expectations.
Another NEPRA member, Maqsood Anwar, also pointed out that the requested increase is largely due to the reliance on furnace oil-based generation.
Officials responded that the use of such plants was necessary to meet increased demand during peak hours.
According to the CPPA’s petition, the proposed increase will also apply to K-Electric consumers under existing government policy guidelines.
If approved, the adjustment will add further pressure on consumers already dealing with high electricity costs, reflecting ongoing structural challenges in Pakistan’s power sector.
this isnt news anymore, electricity price should be listed in the daily vegetable rates section.