Power Distribution Companies Seek Rs. 30 Billion Extra in October

In a bid to address the ever-evolving dynamics of Pakistan’s energy sector, Ex-WAPDA Distribution Companies (DISCOs) have recently made a significant move that may impact electricity consumers in the coming months. DISCOs have approached the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) with a proposal to increase the fuel cost adjustment (FCA) by Rs. 1.83 per unit, a move aimed at accumulating an additional Rs. 30 billion from consumers during the upcoming month of October.

According to a report in a national daily, DISCOs have formally submitted their petition to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), requesting approval for this FCA hike. NEPRA, the authority responsible for regulating Pakistan’s electricity tariffs, has acknowledged the petition and is set to hold public hearings on the matter on September 27th. These hearings will serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss and evaluate whether the proposed tariff hike is justifiable.

The CPPA, acting on behalf of the distribution companies, has provided data to substantiate their request. It was revealed that in August, consumers were charged a reference fuel cost of Rs. 6.65 per unit, whereas the actual cost incurred by the DISCOs amounted to Rs. 8.47 per unit. This significant disparity of Rs. 1.83 per unit underscores the necessity of the proposed tariff hike. Should NEPRA grant its approval, consumers can expect to see this increase reflected in their electricity bills for the billing month of October.

Interestingly, this move occurs against the backdrop of an already heightened average base tariff, which witnessed an increase of approximately Rs. 7.5 per unit as of July 1st. Additionally, consumers will soon grapple with another challenge, as a quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) of Rs. 5.40 per unit, totaling Rs. 146 billion, is on the horizon. The regulator has successfully concluded the public hearing process for this adjustment and is contemplating its phased recovery over six months at a rate of Rs. 3.55 per unit.

The confluence of these factors raises important questions about the sustainability of Pakistan’s electricity pricing structure and its implications for the average consumer. As the NEPRA hearings unfold, stakeholders will closely monitor the deliberations, looking for insights into how these decisions will impact the energy landscape and the pockets of everyday electricity consumers.