Islamabad: There are indications that electricity prices might rise once again, with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) poised to consider CPPA’s request for a Rs5 per unit increase in the base tariff. If approved, this could burden electricity consumers with over Rs310 billion. The proposed increase is for the base tariff for the fiscal year 2024-25, with power purchase prices ranging from Rs25.03 to Rs27.11 per unit. This move could potentially impose a burden of over Rs3 trillion on electricity consumers. Despite significant increases in power tariffs and fuel adjustments, the circular debt in Pakistan’s power sector continues to escalate, reaching Rs2,635 billion as of January 2024, up from Rs2,310 billion in June 2023. Moreover, reports suggest that consumers may face additional burdens, as authorities are considering raising the per-unit tariff by Rs3.49 for fuel adjustment charges in April. This demand was made by the CPPA to NEPRA on behalf of power distribution companies (DISCOs).
