Pakistan’s power regulator has approved a combined increase of Rs2.58 per unit in electricity tariffs for September, placing an estimated additional burden of roughly Rs45.67 billion on consumers nationwide.
Monthly Adjustment Adds Rs2.06 Per Unit
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority approved a positive fuel charges adjustment of Rs2.06 per unit for electricity consumed in July, to be recovered from consumers of ex-WAPDA distribution companies and K-Electric through September bills, according to Dawn. Nepra said the actual fuel cost component for July came in at Rs9.15 per kilowatt hour, compared with a reference figure of Rs7.09, resulting in the increase.
The monthly adjustment alone is expected to add roughly Rs33 billion to consumers’ bills, ProPakistani reported, and will not apply to lifeline consumers, electric vehicle charging stations, or prepaid customers.
Quarterly Charge Adds a Further 52 Paisa
Separately, Nepra approved a positive quarterly tariff adjustment of 52 paisa per unit for the second quarter of the year, to be recovered from consumers over three months, from September through November, adding an estimated Rs12.67 billion to bills over that period, according to Aaj English TV.
The quarterly adjustment will apply uniformly across all Discos as well as K-Electric consumers, per the regulator’s order.
Combined Burden Tops Rs45 Billion
Taken together, the monthly and quarterly adjustments raise the effective tariff increase to Rs2.58 per unit for the September billing cycle, according to Pakistan Times. Nepra said distribution companies and K-Electric are required to reflect the July fuel charges adjustment in bills issued this month, with any bills already issued before the notification to have the adjustment carried into the following billing cycle.
The regulator also directed distribution companies to comply strictly with relevant court orders while implementing the adjustment.
The latest hike adds to a series of tariff adjustments Pakistani consumers have faced in recent years as the country’s power sector grapples with high generation costs and reliance on imported fuel. Business groups have repeatedly warned that rising energy costs are squeezing industrial competitiveness, though officials say fuel cost pass through mechanisms are necessary to keep the sector financially sustainable.
Consumers will see the increase reflected automatically on their next billing cycle without any separate action required.
