NEPRA raps DISCOs over electrocution deaths
The electrocution of eleven people in July during monsoon rains prompted Pakistan's power regulator to censure distribution companies (DISCOs) at a Thursday hearing while hearing a petition to cut nationwide electricity tariffs by Rs1.69 per unit.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority concluded a public hearing on the July fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for DISCOs, where the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) sought the per unit cut for one month.
The regulator expressed "severe indignation" over the spike in fatal accidents, with Member Rafiq Ahmad Sheikh demanding answers from Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), where six deaths were reported in just one month.
"Where is the CEO of Iesco? Where were the safety measures?" Sheikh asked, warning that the authority could impose maximum penalties on negligent firms. "But these companies run to courts and get stay orders," he added.
Nepra said the Power Division, through a letter, conveyed the Economic Coordination Committee's (ECC) directive that K-Electric consumers also be charged the FCA determined for DISCOs, in line with the government's uniform tariff policy.
If the proposed adjustment is approved, it will apply to all categories of consumers except lifeline users, protected consumers, prepaid customers, and electric vehicle charging stations.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) informed the regulator that higher hydropower generation in July reduced dependence on costly imported LNG. On an annual basis, overall generation dipped 5 percent, though monthly production grew 3 percent, according to Nepra's technical member.
Several major power plants, including Neelum-Jhelum, Punjab Thermal, and Guddu, remain shut, compounding reliability issues in the grid, members noted.
Industrial consumers at the hearing praised Nepra for at least trying to address public grievances, while accusing the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) of becoming "no more than a post office" and openly violating rules.