Power distribution companies have requested approval for a Rs10.75 billion quarterly tariff adjustment from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). If approved, the move could result in a 0.43 Re per unit increase in electricity prices for consumers nationwide, including K-Electric users.
Nepra Chairman Waseem Mukhtar chaired a public hearing on the petition. Utilities argued that the additional recovery mainly relates to capacity payments incurred between October and December 2025.
Officials informed Nepra that Rs24.25 billion was being claimed under capacity payments for the quarter. However, they also reported a reduction of about Rs13.5 billion in other components, including operations and maintenance costs, use-of-system charges, and the incremental package.
According to the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), reference capacity payments for October to December 2025 stood at around Rs431 billion. This compares with Rs459 billion in the same period last year.
Officials stated that lower electricity consumption during the quarter contributed to a deficit of approximately Rs24.25 billion. They argued that this shortfall must be recovered through the quarterly adjustment mechanism.
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The hearing drew strong reactions from consumer representatives. Several participants accused authorities of shifting the burden of policy decisions onto the public.
Criticism also focused on the incremental package. Some participants argued that the scheme benefits selected industries while disadvantaging others. They questioned whether the data presented under the programme accurately reflects industrial demand growth.
One participant urged Nepra to reassess figures submitted by the CPPA before approving any additional charges.
During the hearing, officials stated that furnace oil-based power plants would not be operated in the future. The government aims to move away from costly generation sources as part of broader sector reforms.
The regulator is expected to review the submissions before making a final decision on the proposed increase. If approved, consumers across the country could see a modest rise in electricity bills in the coming billing cycle.
