16-paisa cut in power tariff for Karachi

ISLAMABAD: The top power regulator has cut electricity tariff of Karachi-based consumers by 16 paisas per unit on account of fuel cost adjustment for April 2016. The amount will be adjusted in the monthly bills of July.

In comparison, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) had last month slashed the tariff by Rs3.94 per unit for all domestic users using above 300 units per month.

On Thursday, Nepra took the decision for K-Electric consumers at a public hearing in response to a petition filed by the KE management seeking approval for a tariff cut of 15.87 paisas per unit. The meeting was chaired by the Nepra chairman.

The power utility pointed out that it faced a fuel cost variation of Rs227.377 million in electricity production from external and internal resources in April. During the month, the KE supplied 1434.87 million units of electricity to its consumers.

According to Nepra’s decision, overall the power consumers in Karachi will enjoy a relief of around Rs160 million due to the cut in power cost.

Taking notice of media reports of power load-shedding in Karachi, the Nepra chairman directed an inspection team to visit the city and dig out facts. The team will note daily power production and its demand in Karachi.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2016.