Govt seeks power price hike in Karachi

NEPRA to consider request for an increase in power tariff by Rs1.72 per unit

ISLAMABAD:

Karachi residents might face an unexpected blow as the federal government aims to raise the electricity rates in the economic heart of the country by Rs1.72 per unit.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), the country’s power regulator, is set to review the government's plea for this price hike on December 20. This request for a higher tariff aligns with adjustments from the second and third quarters of the previous fiscal year.

The government is seeking a rise of Rs1.25 per unit for the January to March 2023 quarterly adjustment and an additional Rs0.47 per unit for the October to December 2022 quarterly adjustment. The intention behind this increase is to maintain a consistent tariff nationwide.

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Nepra recently announced a Rs3.5 per unit hike in electricity prices, attributed to fuel adjustments for October 2023. This adjustment was anticipated to appear on consumers' December electricity bills. This increase was not to impact lifeline customers or those served by K-Electric.

This decision to increase electricity rates has raised concerns among consumers who are already grappling with rising inflation and economic uncertainties.