NEPRA Raises Industrial Rate and Approves November Adjustment

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved an increase in the industrial Incremental Support Package rate to Rs25.30 per unit and a September fuel adjustment of Rs2.3673 per unit, to be reflected in November electricity bills. The industrial rate rose from Rs22.98 after Chairman Waseem Mukhtar cast the deciding vote in a split decision. The fuel adjustment is below the Rs2.56 per unit sought by the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G).

The September adjustment applies to consumers of former WAPDA distribution companies and K-Electric, including electricity used under the incremental package. Lifeline consumers, electric-vehicle charging stations and customers on prepaid tariffs are exempt. Distribution companies are to list the charge separately in November bills; if those bills have already been issued, the amount may be recovered in the following month’s bill. The calculation is based on units billed in September.

NEPRA’s four members were divided 2-2 over the industrial rate. Members Amina Ahmed and Maqsood Anwar opposed the increase, saying the proposed Rs25.30 rate lacked supporting evidence and that the regulator’s own institutional...