In a recent development that may impact the residents of Karachi, K-Electric, the city’s electricity provider, has put forth a proposal to raise electricity tariffs by more than Rs3 per unit. This potential tariff hike comes as a result of K-Electric’s application to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), seeking an increase of Rs2.35 per unit through quarterly adjustments.
Additionally, K-Electric is advocating for an extra rise of 67 paisa per unit to address arrears. If these proposed adjustments are granted approval, Karachi’s electricity consumers could face an added financial burden amounting to a staggering Rs1.6 billion. The fate of this request will be determined during NEPRA’s upcoming hearing scheduled for October 19.
This news follows closely on the heels of NEPRA’s recent decision to increase the cost of electricity by Rs1.71 per unit, implemented under the umbrella of monthly fuel adjustment. This adjustment, pertaining to electricity consumption in the month of August, will be reflected in the October bills. It’s important to note that the tariff increase announced earlier did not affect K-Electric and Lifeline customers.
Notably, the Central Power Purchasing Authority had initially proposed an electricity tariff increase of Rs1.82 per unit. Following a comprehensive hearing, NEPRA approved a rate that was 10 paisa lower than the original request. As a result, this reduction in tariff will result in an additional financial burden of Rs30 billion on power consumers.
The situation is swiftly evolving, and residents of Karachi are closely watching the outcome of the NEPRA hearing as it could significantly impact their electricity bills.