More Misery Likely As CPPA Seeks Electricity Tariff Hike of Rs. 2.11 Per Unit

The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has requested a power tariff increase of Rs. 2.11 per unit. This would put an additional financial burden of Rs. 30 billion besides the latest increments in basic electricity tariff which were applied from July 1. This request is based on fuel adjustment charges for June. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) will decide after conducting a public hearing. If approved, this tariff hike will include sales tax and significantly impact consumers nationwide. The adjustment will not apply to K-Electric consumers, as K-Electric has filed a separate application seeking a Rs. 2.92 per unit increase for June. NEPRA is scheduled to review K-Electric’s request on July 30. The basic electricity tariff has skyrocketed by Rs. 25.76 per unit over the past two years. From July to October 2022, the basic tariff increased by Rs. 7.91 per unit, followed by another hike of Rs. 7.50 per unit in July 2023. In July 2024, the tariff saw an additional rise of Rs. 7.12 per unit, bringing the basic tariff for domestic consumers to Rs. 48.84 per unit. For different consumption brackets, the monthly tariff changes have been huge. Inclusive of taxes, consumers using between 201 to 300 units will now pay Rs. 34.26 per unit, while those consuming between 301 to 400 units will pay Rs. 39.15 per unit. For consumption between 401 to 500 units, the tariff now is Rs. 41.36 per unit and Rs. 42.78 per unit for households using between 501 to 600 units. For 601 to 700 units, the cost is Rs. 43.92 per unit while those using over 700 units now have to pay Rs. 48.84 per unit. Lifeline customers will pay Rs. 3.95 per unit for up to 50 units, and Rs. 7.74 per unit for 51 to 100 units. The new unit price for non-protected domestic consumers, including taxes and duties, are Rs. 37.38 per month for 1 to 100 units, Rs. 45.15 per month for 101 to 200 units, Rs. 50.17 per month for 201 to 300 units, Rs. 56.73 per month for 301 to 400 units, Rs. 59.76 per month for 401 to 500 units, Rs. 61.71 per month for 501 to 600 units, Rs. 63.24 per month for 601 to 700 units, and Rs. 69.27 per month for over 700 units. For protected customers, the tariffs are Rs. 19.75 per month for 1 to 100 units and Rs. 22.71 per month for 101 to 200 units. Since April 2022, the overall increase in the basic electricity tariff is Rs. 18.39 per unit, with domestic consumers experiencing varied levels of back-breaking hikes based on their consumption levels.