Discos seek Rs4.66/unit hike for November
Despite a record 83 per cent power generation from cheaper domestic fuels, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) on Tuesday sought a massive Rs4.66 per unit additional fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) — almost 100pc higher than target — to generate another Rs34 billion in January 2024. This increase in FCA is on top of about 26pc increase in annual base tariff and another 18pc hike under the quarterly tariff adjustment currently in place. As a result, the consumers would be unable to contain their bills despite minimum consumption in peak winter month of January. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has accepted the request for a public hearing on Dec 27. The higher proposed FCA, on the consumption of November, is both because of higher than reference fuel cost resulting in Rs18bn impact (Rs2.4 per unit) and about Rs16bn (Rs2.12 per unit) on account of unspecified past adjustment claims.