NEPRA
KARACHI: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has made a significant decision regarding the Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) requested by Karachi Electric (KE) for April 2024, announcing a benefit of PKR 1.67 per kWh that will reflect in customers’ July 2024 bills.
NEPRA’s decision follows its earlier notification specifying FCA rates of PKR 1.7111 per kWh for July 2023 and PKR 1.3946 per kWh for September 2023, both of which are scheduled to be applied in customers’ upcoming July 2024 bills.
The FCA adjustments are crucial as they account for variations in global fuel prices and changes in the electricity generation mix. These adjustments are scrutinized and approved by NEPRA before being passed on to consumers.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore has launched an inquiry into Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO).
The investigation stems from allegations that LESCO overbilled millions of protected customers by issuing bills for more than 200 units of power consumption.
According to an FIA spokesperson, this alleged over-billing led to a reclassification of protected consumer categories, imposing an additional financial burden running into millions of rupees.
The investigation aims to determine the extent of these billing discrepancies and assess any potential mismanagement or irregularities within LESCO’s billing practices.
The inquiry underscores concerns over transparency and consumer protection within Pakistan’s electricity distribution sector.
Authorities are focused on ensuring fair billing practices and holding accountable any entity found to have unfairly burdened consumers with inflated charges.
As NEPRA continues to oversee utility cost adjustments and ensure regulatory compliance, investigations by agencies like the FIA highlight ongoing efforts to maintain integrity and fairness in the administration of electricity billing and pricing policies across Pakistan.
These efforts are essential in safeguarding consumer rights and promoting trust in the country’s energy sector amidst evolving global energy dynamics and local regulatory challenges.
