ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumers across Pakistan could face another increase in power bills as regulators review a proposed Rs2.52 per unit hike. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is scheduled to hear the Central Power Purchasing Agency’s (CPPA) request for the July monthly fuel adjustment.
If approved, the proposed increase would add to the financial pressure already facing electricity consumers.
According to the CPPA application, electricity generation costs remained high for several fuel sources during July. Diesel-based generation reportedly cost up to Rs50 per unit.
Meanwhile, electricity generated using imported coal reached Rs54.47 per unit. Imported LNG-based generation cost Rs47.37 per unit during the month.
NEPRA will review the submitted data before deciding whether to approve the proposed adjustment.
Previous Electricity Tariff Increases
The latest request comes after another increase approved under the monthly fuel adjustment mechanism.
On August 7, NEPRA approved a Rs0.75 per unit increase in electricity tariffs. The adjustment covered the June 2026 monthly fuel cost.
The increase also applied to consumers of K-Electric. NEPRA said the revised rates would appear in electricity bills issued during August. Before that, the CPPA had requested a Rs1.20 per unit increase for the June adjustment.
However, NEPRA ultimately approved a lower increase of Rs0.75 per unit.
The latest proposed adjustment could therefore place additional pressure on household and commercial electricity bills.
Higher Generation Costs Drive Proposed Increase
Monthly fuel adjustments allow electricity tariffs to reflect changes in generation costs.
Fuel prices, generation sources and electricity production levels can influence the final adjustment. Consequently, consumers may see changes in their bills even when base tariffs remain unchanged.
The July application highlights the relatively high cost of several generation sources. Imported coal, diesel and LNG all recorded significant per-unit generation costs.
NEPRA will assess the figures before making its final decision.
If the authority approves the full request, consumers will face an additional Rs2.52 per unit charge under the July adjustment. The final impact will depend on NEPRA’s decision and the applicable consumer categories.
