On Thursday, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) granted approval for a significant tariff hike in hydropower electricity, marking a notable increase of 29 percent. This decision entails a revision of the average tariff for hydropower, with rates slated to rise from the current Rs 3.85 per unit to Rs 4.96 per unit for the fiscal year 2022-23. NEPRA's objective is to address the evolving dynamics of the energy sector and ensure the sustainability of hydropower generation.
Furthermore, NEPRA issued a directive to the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the capacity status of WAPDA hydropower stations. This assessment is to be conducted separately for each station, with the resultant reports to be submitted to NEPRA.
The authority's emphasis on evaluating capacity status underscores its commitment to monitoring and optimizing the efficiency of hydropower facilities, which play a crucial role in Pakistan's energy landscape.
Earlier in the same month, NEPRA had initiated an investigation into concerns of over-billing related to faulty and slow-speed electricity meters. Specifically, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) was accused of violating regulations by issuing average bills to consumers.
This contentious issue pertains to reports of average charges being applied to technically sluggish meters, which deviates from established billing procedures. Some LESCO customers allegedly received bills spanning six months to a year, raising serious questions about billing practices and accuracy.
NEPRA's decisions and actions reflect its ongoing commitment to regulating and optimizing the electricity sector in Pakistan. By addressing tariff adjustments, capacity assessments, and billing issues, the authority seeks to maintain transparency, reliability, and fairness in the nation's power distribution and pricing systems. These measures aim to ensure that consumers receive a dependable supply of electricity and are charged accurately for their usage, ultimately fostering a more robust and equitable energy sector.