Discos allowed to extract Rs26.5bn more

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Thursday notified an additional fuel cost adjustment (FCA) of Rs1.71 per unit for consumers of ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) with a net financial impact of Rs26.5 billion for electricity consumed in August. The “adjustment of Rs1.7141/kWh shall apply to all the consumer categories except Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and lifeline consumers. The said adjustment shall be shown separately in the consumers’ bills based on units consumed in August. Discos shall reflect the fuel charges adjustment in respect of July in October bills”, said Nepra’s notification that would yield about Rs26.5bn additional funds to Discos. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), on behalf of Discos, had demanded Rs1.83 per unit additional FCA for the said month to raise Rs29bn. However, the regulator after holding a public hearing and verifying the certified data based on documentary evidence worked out Rs1.71 per unit additional FCA to be charged to consumers during the current billing month.