ISLAMABAD:
Power consumers are set to receive a relief of Rs1.03 per unit on account of fuel cost adjustment for the month of December 2024.
At the same time, it has been revealed that the closure of 969-megawatt Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant for months is hitting the consumers as they have not been provided cheap electricity from the plant.
A government official revealed this at a public hearing held by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to consider a petition of Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee (CPPA-G), which sought approval for a reduction of Rs1.03 per unit in electricity prices under fuel cost adjustment for December.
If Nepra approves the release of refund, it can provide some financial relief to electricity consumers in February. However, the tariff adjustment will not apply to lifeline consumers, electric vehicle charging stations and K-Electric customers.
According to CPPA-G, the positive impact of winter package is being felt, with electricity prices being lower due to seasonal measures. However, it also highlighted the negative impact of non-functioning of the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project.
CPPA-G officials stated had the project been operational, electricity prices could have been even lower.
Another issue raised during the hearing was the non-operation of 747MW Guddu power plant. CPPA-G was questioned as to why the plant was not running, which contributed to a rise in electricity costs. The agency did not give a clear response.
Electricity consumers expressed concern and called for taking further steps to reduce electricity prices. A consumer pointed out that system’s inefficiency was exacerbated by weather conditions, adding that “when it rains, lines go down, and when it’s hot, lines go down.
