Power rates to rise despite lower fuel costs

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) announced on Wednesday that electricity rates for consumers of ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) will be higher next month despite lower fuel costs. During a public hearing on fuel cost adjustments (FCA) for September’s electricity consumption, a Nepra case officer said that “there would be a net increase of 15 paise per unit for consumers”, provided the regulator approved 71 paise per unit in refund demanded by Discos in November. He explained that an 86 paise per unit negative FCA was applicable in October bills that would come to an end and be replaced by a 71 paise negative adjustment, thus a net increase of 15 paise per unit.