Consumers of government distribution companies may soon receive relief as electricity prices are expected to decrease by more than Rs2 per unit.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has completed its hearing on a request submitted by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) regarding fuel charges adjustment (FCA).

Potential Relief for Consumers

CPPA officials informed NEPRA that in January, the reference fuel cost under FCA was Rs11 per unit, while 7.81 billion units of electricity were sold. Due to the difference in reference cost, consumers may benefit from relief exceeding Rs15 billion. Additional relief will also be provided under previous adjustments.

Concerns over electricity in summer

During the hearing, NEPRA was cautioned about a potentially challenging summer due to lower-than-usual rainfall and snowfall in winter. Consequently, the regulatory authority has sought a detailed report from WAPDA on water availability for electricity generation in the upcoming months.

Additionally, NEPRA has directed the Power Division to review the decision regarding taxes on net metering, which affects consumers generating their own electricity through solar panels. The final decision on the FCA adjustment will be issued after due deliberation.

NEPRA fines NTDC Rs10m over safety

NEPRA has imposed a Rs10 million fine on the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) over fatal accidents that occurred during repair work.

The regulatory authority stated that NTDC failed to implement the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), leading to workplace accidents. Despite being asked to conduct an inquiry, NTDC has not submitted the final report even after eight months.

NEPRA has instructed NTDC to compensate the affected employees and their families and ensure the fine is deposited within three months. The violations were deemed a breach of the NEPRA Act, prompting strict regulatory action.

A formal announcement on the electricity tariff reduction and NTDC’s compliance with the fine payment will be made in the coming weeks.