NEPRA has given the go-ahead for a rise in electricity tariffs for ex-Wapda Distribution Companies (Discos) for January 2023. The fuel charges adjustment (FCA) has been set at Rs. 0.477 per unit. This decision comes after the Central Power Purchasing Agency Guarantee Limited (CPPA-G) petitioned for a Rs. 1.17 per unit increase in the power tariff.
Consumers of Discos will see the fuel charges adjustment reflected in their March 2023 bills. The tariff hike will not affect Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and lifeline consumers. All other consumer categories will see the increase applied to their bills.
In accordance with the decision, the power regulator has instructed Discos to separately indicate the tariff increase on the bills of customers based on units billed in January 2023. This will ensure that consumers are fully informed about the hike in electricity tariffs and can make informed decisions about their energy usage and expenditure.
The decision to increase electricity tariffs for Discos comes at a time when the country is grappling with severe energy shortages. Pakistan has faced a severe power crisis in recent years, with blackouts and load-shedding becoming commonplace. The government has been taking steps to address the crisis, including investing in new power plants and implementing reforms in the energy sector.
However, these efforts have not been enough to fully resolve the crisis. The country continues to rely heavily on imported oil and gas for its energy needs, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. This, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and poor governance in the energy sector, has made it difficult for Pakistan to provide reliable and affordable electricity to its citizens.
While the decision to increase electricity tariffs for Discos may be unpopular with consumers, it is necessary to ensure the stability of the energy sector in Pakistan. The government must continue to invest in the sector and implement reforms to address the root causes of the country’s power crisis. By doing so, it can provide its citizens with the reliable and affordable electricity they need to power their homes and businesses.
