NEPRA defers decision on another electricity tariff hike
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), according to ARY News on Wednesday, has decided to examine the performance of power distribution companies in response to yet another request to raise the electricity rate to reflect fuel cost adjustment (FCA).
The NEPRA heard the Central electricity Purchasing Agency’s (CPPA) request for an additional Rs2.07 per unit increase in electricity rates. The CPPA’s argument during the hearing was limited to Rs1.57 per unit, the authority’s spokeswoman said in a statement.
The CPPA was instructed by the government to create a report on how the coal-fired power facilities were working. The NEPRA questioned why coal prices were declining but expenses for producing electricity increased.
It also discussed the costly power plants’ extended operation. The decision not to increase the capacity of power networks, including the Gatti power grid, was also sought by the authorities.
The NEPRA, according to the statement, did little more than ask stakeholders for input. After weighing the available information, a thorough conclusion will be made.
The authorities decided to set up a hearing to begin the review after expressing their displeasure with the distribution businesses’ (DISCOs’) performance.
A 15-day deadline has been set for DISCOs to turn in their performance reports. Power distribution firms have been instructed by the NEPRA to step up their efforts to reduce line losses and electricity theft.
The authority said that a follow-up hearing to assess the DISCOs’ performance will take place in three weeks.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) started looking into the problem of overbilling on broken and slow-moving power meters earlier this month.
Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) reportedly provided average invoices to customers in violation of the law, according to NEPRA authorities.
After receiving complaints regarding average charges being applied to technically slow meters in contravention of established standards, NEPRA initiated action.
Customers of LESCO appear to have been billed for durations ranging from six months to a year in certain instances, which raises questions about billing practices.
