There is a fear of additional burden for electricity consumers across the country once again as the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has applied to NEPRA to increase electricity prices under the monthly fuel price adjustment. If this application is approved, consumers will have to buy electricity at an additional price of about 48 paisa per unit next month.
The application also provides details of electricity production and cost during December. According to the documents, a total of 8 billion 487 million units of electricity were generated during this period, while 8 billion 208 million units were supplied to distribution companies. During this period, the average cost of electricity per unit was recorded at Rs 9.62.
Data regarding energy sources show that the highest electricity was generated from nuclear sources, which accounted for more than 25 percent. In addition, more than 18 percent of electricity was generated from hydel sources. About 14 and 10 percent of electricity was generated from local and imported coal, respectively.
Natural gas and imported LNG were also important sources of energy, which generated 11 and 17 percent of electricity, respectively. Experts say that due to fluctuations in the prices of imported fuel, an increase in the fuel adjustment rate is being seen, which has a direct impact on the bills of consumers.
The NEPRA authority will hold a hearing on this application tomorrow, where all stakeholders will be given an opportunity to present their views. After the hearing, a final decision regarding the change in electricity tariffs will be issued.
According to energy experts, if approved, this increase will only be for one month, but it could make a significant difference in the monthly bills of domestic and industrial consumers.
