IMF rejects Pakistan’s relief plan on inflated electricity bills

Islamabad: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly stopped government from giving relief to the power consumers using over 200 units, monthly on Wednesday.

According to sources, the IMF stated concerning Pakistan's relief plan that "circular debt will not come down if relief is given on electricity bills."

The relief in terms of delayed payments of the bills will only be given to consumers, who are using under 200 units for six months continuously.

If a consumer's cost exceeds 200 units in six months, the respite would be canceled, according to the sources.

Earlier in the day, The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) submitted a request to National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to increase the price of electricity by Rs1.83 through fuel price adjustment.

According to details, the application has been submitted for August fuel price adjustment. NEPRA will decide after hearing the appeal on September 27.

In the petition, the stand has been taken that 15.47 billion units of electricity were supplied to the DISCOs in August.

After the approval of the appeal, the burden of more than 33 billion rupees will be imposed on the electricity consumers. However, the increase will not be applicable to K-Electric customers.