DISCOs Seek 19 Paisa Power Tariff Hike

ISLAMABAD: Power tariffs face a potential hike as power distribution companies (DISCOs) have urged the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to greenlight a 19 paisa per unit increase in electricity prices under the fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for August 2025.

NEPRA has slated a public hearing for September 29, 2025, to deliberate the request submitted by the Central Power Purchasing Agency Guarantee Limited (CPPA-G) for the FCA pertaining to August 2025 for Ex-WAPDA DISCOs.

Per CPPA-G data, 14,218 GWh of electricity was generated in August 2025. Hydel power led with 5,517 GWh (38.80%), followed by RLNG at 2,180 GWh (15.33%), nuclear power at 2,145 GWh (15.09%), and local coal at 1,442 GWh (10.14%). Imported coal contributed 1,138 GWh (8.01%), while gas-based generation accounted for 1,035 GWh (7.28%). Other sources included wind with 512 GWh (3.60%), bagasse at 36 GWh (0.25%), and solar at 104 GWh (0.73%).

CPPA-G reported a total fuel cost of Rs103,421 million, yielding an average fuel cost of Rs7.2738 per unit. After accounting for previous adjustments, sales to independent power producers (IPPs), and 3.31% transmission losses, the net electricity delivered to DISCOs was 13,715 GWh.

Based on this, CPPA-G seeks a Rs0.1911 per unit increase over the reference fuel cost of Rs7.3149 per unit, to be passed on to DISCO consumers via the monthly FCA mechanism.

The hearing will also tackle adjustments for K-Electric consumers, aligning with the Federal Government’s policy for uniform fuel charges adjustments nationwide.

NEPRA has called on all interested and affected parties to engage in the hearing, submitting written or oral objections as permitted by law. Relevant documents, including the NEPRA Act, rules, regulations, and CPPA-G’s detailed request, are accessible on the NEPRA website.

Consumers and stakeholders can attend the hearing in person or join via a provided Zoom link. NEPRA stressed that public participation is vital for ensuring transparency in the decision-making process.