The hopes for relief from soaring utility bills in Pakistan appear to be fading away as the government’s promises collide with the stark reality of impending electricity tariff hikes. Despite pledges to alleviate the financial strain on the populace, a new wave of price adjustments threatens to further burden consumers.
With many already paying over Rs50 per unit, the specter of increased tariffs looms large as ten power Distribution Companies (Discos) petition the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for a staggering increase totaling Rs 2.765 trillion.
Leading the charge, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has filed a plea with NEPRA seeking an adjustment of Rs 852.047 billion, followed by Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) at Rs 501.481 billion, and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) at Rs 400.484 billion.
Additionally, other companies such as the Quetta Power Company, Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO), Sukkur Electric Supply Company, and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) have submitted requests ranging from Rs 35.796 billion to Rs 376.204 billion.
These petitions cite various factors including operational and maintenance costs, rupee depreciation, return on rate base, gross margin, net margin, and prior year adjustments as grounds for the tariff adjustments.
Local media reports hint at potential increases of up to Rs7 per unit in the coming months, although clarity awaits the deliberations of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority.
