Karachi electricity users may get Rs6.6bn relief

Islamabad: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Tuesday concluded a public hearing at its headquarters over K-Electric’s request to reduce electricity prices for Karachi-based consumers.

K-Electric had proposed a reduction of Rs 6.62 per unit under the Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) and also sought approval for fuel cost adjustments from July 2023 to February 2025. Company officials informed the authority that Rs 13.9 billion in fuel cost adjustments remain pending.

NEPRA member Rafiq Ahmed Sheikh noted that negative fuel charges adjustments have been issued since November to provide relief to consumers. However, K-Electric's submission of older pending adjustments at this time has raised concerns.

A consumer representative argued that the full benefit of the negative FCA has still not been passed on to users. Rafiq Ahmed further pointed out that K-Electric’s failure to replace faulty meters would only harm the company financially.

If NEPRA approves the request in its entirety, consumers could receive a total relief of Rs 6.6 billion. However, the proposed relief will not apply to lifeline, protected, prepaid consumers, or electric vehicle charging stations.

NEPRA will issue its final decision after a comprehensive review of all submitted data and records.