In another jolt to the struggling masses, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) announced on Thursday a significant increase in the electricity tariff.
The regulatory body has issued notification of Rs2.75 per unit increase in electricity tariff, effective for the upcoming three months, imposing a significant burden on consumers amounting to Rs85.2 billion.
The decision comes as NEPRA approved the second-quarter adjustment for the fiscal year 2023-24. Despite a request from Distribution Companies (Discos) for a larger increase of Rs4.43 per unit, NEPRA settled on the Rs2.75 increment.
This hike, set to reflect in the bills for April, May, and June, is attributed to various factors impacting the power sector's operational costs. NEPRA cited rising fuel prices and maintenance expenses as primary reasons for the tariff adjustment.
However, NEPRA has exempted Lifeline consumers utilizing up to 50 units from this price hike, aiming to alleviate the burden on low-consumption households.
Moreover, it is important to note that K-Electric consumers will also be subject to this tariff increase, signaling a broader impact across various electricity providers.
While the decision aims to balance the operational costs of power generation and distribution, it raises concerns among consumers already grappling with economic challenges. With inflationary pressures persisting, this tariff hike could exacerbate financial strain for households and businesses alike.
