In yet another jolt to the poverty-stricken masses already reeling with power loadshedding, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has filed an application with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) seeking a significant increase in the December fuel cost adjustment.
If approved, the move will translate to a hefty Rs5.62 per unit hike in electricity tariffs, piling a staggering burden of over Rs49 billion on consumers.
The CPPA's application stems from the generation of 7.418 billion units of electricity in December, necessitating additional costs for fuel procurement. This comes as unwelcome news for millions already grappling with the ongoing electricity loadshedding woes plaguing the country.
NEPRA has scheduled a public hearing on the CPPA's application for January 31. The authority's decision will be keenly awaited by consumers, with hopes for a reprieve from the proposed tariff increase. However, given the rising fuel costs and pressure on the power sector, the possibility of NEPRA approving the adjustment cannot be ruled out.
The potential hike in electricity prices is likely to fuel further public discontent and add to the financial strain on households and businesses already struggling with inflation and economic hardship. The government, facing mounting pressure to address the energy crisis, will need to find solutions to stabilise the power sector and alleviate the burden on consumers while ensuring affordable and reliable electricity access for all.
