In a move that could relieve millions of consumers, electricity prices across Pakistan, including Karachi, will likely decrease by approximately Rs2 per unit.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has received a request from distribution companies to reduce tariffs as part of the quarterly adjustment from October to December 2024.
The request seeks a total reduction of Rs52.12 billion in electricity prices, which includes:
- Rs50.66 billion reduction in capacity charges.
- Rs2.66 billion reduction in transmission and distribution losses.
- Rs2.69 billion reduction in operation and maintenance costs.
A hearing on the proposal is scheduled for February 12, after which NEPRA will decide whether to approve the reduction. If implemented, the move will provide significant relief to electricity consumers nationwide.
Recent Electricity Price Adjustments
The potential price reduction follows NEPRA’s recent announcement of a 20-paise per unit increase in electricity prices as part of the first quarterly adjustment for the current fiscal year. The increase, which added a burden of Rs1.18 billion on consumers, was applicable only for December 2024.
Read: NEPRA Reduces Electricity Tariff for Karachi Consumers
The adjustment did not apply to lifeline consumers, prepaid electricity users, or those benefiting from the winter package, which exempts consumers from using extra electricity during winter.
NEPRA’s quarterly adjustments are part of a mechanism to account for fluctuations in fuel costs, capacity charges, and other operational expenses. The adjustments ensure that electricity prices reflect actual costs while minimizing the financial burden on consumers.
If approved, the proposed Rs2 per unit reduction will ease the financial strain on households and businesses, particularly during rising inflation. The move underscores NEPRA’s commitment to balancing consumers’ needs with the power sector’s operational requirements.
