Another jolt awaits power consumers as Discos seek Rs2.07 hike for July

Despite a 26pc increase in base uniform national tariff with effect from July 1, there appears to be no respite in sight for power consumers as ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) have sought permission to extract almost Rs30 billion more from their subscribers next month. Through their commercial agent — the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) — the discos have filed a joint petition with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for an additional fuel cost adjustment (FCA) of Rs2.07 per unit in the billing month of September for electricity consumed in July. The Nepra has accepted the petition and has called public hearings on Aug 30 to see if the proposed increase in tariff is justified in line with monthly FCA mechanisms and if merit was following in utilising power generating units in July. Once approved, the Discos would charge an additional amount of about Rs29.8bn from their consumers for electricity consumed in July at an additional FCA of about Rs2.07 per unit despite almost 64pc power generation from domestic cheaper fuel that was higher than 58pc in June, 56pc in May and 54pc in April.