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 revisionof the average tariff for hydropower, with rates slated to rise from thecurrent 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 sectorand ensure the sustainability of hydropower generation.
Furthermore, NEPRA issued a directive to the Central Power PurchasingAgency (CPPA) to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the capacitystatus of WAPDA hydropower stations. This assessment is to be conductedseparately for each station, with the resultant reports to be submitted toNEPRA.
The authority’s emphasis on evaluating capacity status underscores itscommitment to monitoring and optimizing the efficiency of hydropowerfacilities, which play a crucial role in Pakistan’s energy landscape.
Earlier in the same month, NEPRA had initiated an investigation intoconcerns of over-billing related to faulty and slow-speed electricitymeters. Specifically, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) wasaccused of violating regulations by issuing average bills to consumers.
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This contentious issue pertains to reports of average charges being appliedto technically sluggish meters, which deviates from established billingprocedures. Some LESCO customers allegedly received bills spanning sixmonths to a year, raising serious questions about billing practices andaccuracy.
NEPRA’s decisions and actions reflect its ongoing commitment to regulatingand optimizing the electricity sector in Pakistan. By addressing tariffadjustments, capacity assessments, and billing issues, the authority seeksto maintain transparency, reliability, and fairness in the nation’s powerdistribution and pricing systems. These measures aim to ensure thatconsumers receive a dependable supply of electricity and are chargedaccurately for their usage, ultimately fostering a more robust andequitable energy sector.
