Islamabad: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued a formal notification regarding the increase in electricity prices, under which electricity has been increased by Rs 1.63 per unit for consumers across the country. This increase has been made as part of the monthly fuel price adjustment.
According to a statement issued by Nepra, this increase has been made as part of the January monthly fuel price adjustment. This decision will be applicable to electricity consumers across the country, including Karachi, which includes K-Electric consumers.
The notification clarified that the additional amount will be collected in the bills of March. This means that consumers will have to bear an additional burden of Rs 1.63 per unit in the electricity bills received next month. According to officials, this adjustment has been made due to changes in global fuel prices and electricity generation costs.
However, Nepra has exempted some consumers from this increase. According to the notification, lifeline consumers, who use fewer units and are already covered under subsidy, will not be affected by this increase. Similarly, electric vehicle charging stations will also be exempted from this increase.
Energy experts say that the fuel price adjustment system links electricity prices to fuel prices in the global market. When oil, gas or other fuels are expensive, it affects the cost of electricity generation, which is later charged to consumers. Similarly, if fuel becomes cheaper, consumers can also get relief.
Consumer representative organisations have expressed concern over the increase in electricity prices and said that this increase will create more difficulties for the people who are already under the pressure of inflation. They say that the government should reduce line losses and other administrative costs through reforms in the electricity sector so that there is no need for frequent increases.
On the other hand, government sources say that fuel adjustment is done under an automatic mechanism and the direct role of the government is limited in it. According to them, this system has been designed to ensure transparency so that prices can be fixed according to the actual cost.
It should be remembered that in recent months, there has been fluctuation in electricity prices, the main reason for which is the uncertainty in the global energy market. Experts say that if fuel prices remain stable at the global level, consumers may also get relief in the coming months.
For now, the decision to collect additional charges in March bills will come as a new financial burden for consumers, while the exemption will bring some relief to lifeline consumers.
