Pakistan’s power distribution companies (Discos), excluding K-Electric, are proposing a significant increase in electricity charges for January 2024.
Discos have approached the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) with a request to implement an additional Rs4.6617 per unit for January 2024, citing adjustments in fuel charges for November 2023.
Details of the Request and Public Hearing
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), representing Discos, has applied to Nepra for this price increase under the fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for November 2023. Nepra has scheduled a public hearing on December 27 to discuss this proposed FCA, inviting stakeholders and the public to express their views and objections.
The CPPA’s application details that the total electricity generation in November was 7,547 gigawatt-hours (GWh), costing an average of Rs7.1704 per unit, leading to a total energy expense of Rs54.113 billion.
The power generation mix included hydel, coal, gas, RLNG, bagasse, wind, solar, and nuclear sources, each contributing varying amounts of energy at different costs. Notably, nuclear power provided a substantial portion of the energy at a relatively low cost, while electricity imported from Iran, though minimal in quantity, was the most expensive.
The net electricity delivered to Discos was reported as 7,288 GWh at Rs9.444 per unit, amounting to a total cost of Rs68.834 billion.
This article highlights the proposed increase in electricity charges by power distribution companies (Discos) for January 2024, citing adjustments in fuel charges for November 2023. The details provided about the application to Nepra and the upcoming public hearing offer transparency and insight into the process. Stakeholders and the public need to stay informed and engaged in discussions regarding such significant matters.