K-Electric consumers in Karachi are bracing themselves for higher electricity bills in October and November, as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved K-Electric’s request to collect additional charges. The increase is attributed to adjustments for monthly fuel charges covering May and June 2024, resulting in an additional burden of nearly Rs10.6 billion on consumers.
The approved additional charges are Rs2.5934 per unit for October and Rs3.1688 per unit for November, totaling an impact of Rs5.763 per unit. With the inclusion of the general sales tax (GST), the total cost could reach approximately Rs12.5 billion. This hike is expected to further strain the already burdened consumers, who are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.
During the hearing, Karachi-based industrialists, politicians, and power consumers criticized NEPRA for not protecting public interests. They accused the regulator of acting as a “rubber stamp” for both the government and K-Electric, approving their demands without adequately considering the impact on consumers.
The approved fuel costs were Rs9.1190/unit for May and Rs9.7545/unit for June 2024, leading to positive adjustments of Rs118.76 million for May and Rs459.32 million for June 2024. K-Electric had initially sought a hike of Rs2.53/unit for May and Rs2.92/unit for June FCA.
The increase has sparked concerns among consumers, who are already struggling to pay their electricity bills. The high cost of electricity is expected to further exacerbate the economic hardship faced by many households and businesses in Karachi.
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