Power Division clarifies report on power tariff hike

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division on Friday clarified a news item that appeared in a section of press about increase in power tariff by Rs2.56 per unit saying that with this fuel cost notification consumers have got a relief of Rs0.77 as compared to the last month.

“The Power Division makes clarification for public information about News items published in various newspapers dated August 9 2024, claiming that the government has increased electricity tariffs by Rs2.56 per unit whereas there has been reduction in rates as compared to last month bills,” according to a statement.

The tariff hike was revealed on Thursday as part of the monthly fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for June. These additional charges will be reflected in the August bills of electricity customers. The hike will not affect lifeline consumers and K-Electric users.

Nepra had previously notified a Rs3.33 per unit increase in fuel adjustment for the month of May. The increase was reflect in consumer power bill for July 2024.

A recent Nepra inquiry report revealed that millions of users across the country faced inflated bills during the April-June period after losing their right to reduced rates and slab benefits.

The inflated bills particularly affected lifeline consumers (using 51-100 units per month) and those in the protected category (up to 200 monthly units), as they were pushed out of the monthly ceiling, resulting in higher rates than their actual consumption warranted.