DISCOs Seek Power Tariff Hike for Recovery of Rs. 47 Billion in Electricity Bills

Power distribution companies (DISCOs) have requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to increase the power tariff for recovery of Rs. 47.99 billion from all categories of electricity consumers. The request was first filed in the last quarter of the previous financial year and is set to be discussed by the power regulator today. DISCOs seek to raise electricity prices one again to recover costs that are pending. They include Rs. 22.86 billion in capacity payments, Rs. 10.80 billion for transmission and distribution losses, Rs. 7.51 billion for system usage charges and marketing fees, and Rs. 4 billion for operations and maintenance. NEPRA’s final decision on the application will determine whether the requested amount can be passed on to consumers. If approved, the increased charges will apply to all government-run DISCOs and K-Electric.