There will be no relief for Pakistanis suffering from inflation as the price of energy will climb by Rs 3.28 per unit, setting a new record for high electricity bills.
As protests over the high power rates spread across the nation, the Power Regulator allowed a second increase due to an adjustment in fuel costs.
The increase of Rs 3.28 per unit resulted from the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) mechanism, which was implemented to handle the additional burden of capacity prices following an increase in interest rates and rupee depreciation, among other factors.
According to reports, the energy ministry’s power division initially requested a Rs6.20 per unit adjustment for the fourth quarter of the 2022–23 fiscal year (FY) for ex-Wapda distribution firms (Discos) to make up the Rs146 billion shortfall within three months.
The current decision by NEPRA will take effect right away after receiving approval from the temporary administration.
Discos aims to recover Rs 159 from electricity users between October 2023 and March 2024.
Earlier in September, protests about rising electricity prices that are troublesome for millions took place in various Pakistani cities. People in distress held protest demonstrations on major thoroughfares for all types of traffic, causing hours-long traffic jams and even burning banknotes, but to no avail.
