DISCOs seek Rs1.7 raise in power tariff

Power distribution companies (DISCOs) have petitioned the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for a Rs1.7267 per unit increase in their October electricity bills. This proposed hike stems from the fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for August. Nepra approved a previous Rs2.058 per unit increase in September, which consumers are now paying. A public hearing on September 29 will assess the petition submitted by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CCPA) on behalf of DISCOs.

DISCOs will refund Rs10.097 billion in previous adjustments and Rs10.617 billion for the RLNG fuel rate adjustment. August 2026 saw a 5.1% rise in power demand, but costs surged 37.63%, primarily due to a 111% jump in RLNG-based power and a 43.3% increase in nuclear power. The Central Power Purchasing Agency's submission states that 14,943 GWh of electricity was generated in August 2026, costing Rs149.596 billion, or Rs10 per unit.

Hydel generation accounted for 37.84% of generation at 5,654 GWh, followed by imported coal at 2,330 GWh at Rs17.088/unit.

Local coal generation increased by 12.76% to 1,626 GWh, with costs falling 54.3% to Rs5.495/unit. Nuclear generation dropped 28.76% to 1,528 GWh, with costs climbing 43.3% to Rs3.1468/unit. RLNG-based generation decreased by 39.86% to 1,311 GWh, with costs at Rs45.928/unit. The CPPA argues that the additional Rs1.7 per unit should be passed on to consumers, noting that in August, they were charged Rs7.1 per unit, while the actual cost was Rs8.8 per unit.