ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved an increase in power tariffs, imposing an additional cost of Rs 4.56 per unit on consumers’ bills for February 2024.
This rise is a result of fuel cost adjustments (FCA) since December 2023, adding more pressure to the financially burdened public.
The tariff hike applies universally to all consumer categories, excluding Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and Lifeline consumers, as per NEPRA’s notification.
In December 2023, the government’s reduced reliance on renewable and cost-effective electricity production significantly impacted consumers. This shift contributed to increased costs, prompting the current surge in tariffs.
Anticipating a financial burden of around Rs 33.88 billion, which could escalate to nearly Rs 40 billion when factoring in the 18% General Sales Tax (GST), consumers are bracing for increased financial strain.
This elevation in power tariffs is expected to worsen the financial challenges for consumers already contending with soaring living expenses, presenting another hurdle for household budgets.