Nepra okays second tariff hike for Karachiites

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday approved a second increase in power tariff within a week for the consumers of K-Electric. The regulator, on a request by the Karachi-based power utility, gave the approval of Rs2.87 per unit hike, which comes as part of a quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) from January to March 2023. The decision has been forwarded to the federal government for notification. This is the second time Nepra has hiked power tariff under the quarterly adjustment, the first one at the request of the federal government. On December 29, Nepra approved a Rs1.25 per unit increase for the January-March 2023 quarterly adjustment. Dismayed business community rejects yet another rise in a week The total effect of these changes in tariff is Rs4.12 per unit, which is projected to have a substantial impact on Karachi consumers.Consumers are concerned about the city’s rising electricity costs as a result of repeated approvals. Director communications and spokesperson for K-Electric Imran Rana said Nepra made the decision on QTA for January-March 2023. Under a uniform tariff policy applicable across the country, the QTA impact is generally not passed on to the consumers, he said, adding that a formal decision will be taken by the government.