NEPRA announces tariff hike of Rs3.33 per unit for ex-Wapda distribution companies

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has sanctioned an increase of Rs3.3321 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the electricity tariff for ex-Wapda distribution companies (XWDISCOs), according to a notification issued on Thursday.

This tariff adjustment is attributed to fluctuations in fuel charges for April 2024. The increased rate will be itemised separately on consumers’ bills based on the units consumed during that month.

NEPRA clarified that the revised tariff will apply to all consumer categories except Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and lifeline consumers.

Previously, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), a subsidiary of the Power Division, had requested an additional Rs3.49 per unit to cover the higher fuel costs for April 2024.

The CPPA-G reported that the actual pooled fuel cost for April 2024 was Rs8.9801/kWh, significantly higher than the reference fuel cost of Rs5.4918/kWh, resulting in a difference of Rs3.4883/kWh.

“After incorporating the aforementioned adjustments, NEPRA reviewed and assessed a national average uniform increase of Rs3.3321/kWh in the applicable tariff for XWDISCOs on account of variations in the fuel charges for April 2024,” the notification stated.

Consumers can expect to see this adjustment reflected in their upcoming bills as NEPRA continues to address the variations in fuel costs impacting the electricity sector.