Additional Burden
In the midst of ongoing discussions and hearings, power consumers in the country find themselves on the verge of potential additional burden as electricity companies pursue means to recover operational costs from them. The recent hearings at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) focused on a substantial application put forth by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), seeking approval for the imposition of a monthly operational fee of Rs 4.96 per unit.
This proposed charge, intended to be incorporated into quarterly adjustments for power companies, encompasses various elements such as administrative expenses, insurance, and office costs, aggregating to an astounding Rs 2.014 billion. Furthermore, consumers may also have to shoulder an Rs 88 million loan repayment for employees and Rs 6 crore in taxes on administrative expenses.
The upcoming decision by NEPRA on these petitions is of paramount importance as it weighs the potential impact of these charges on the general public. The discussions delved into other pertinent matters, including pending applications for electricity meters by distribution companies (DISCOs).
DISCOs have suggested a fee of Rs 15,000 for the installation of urgently needed single-phase electricity meters, proposing a potential future policy limiting households to only one meter.
However, concerns have been raised regarding this proposal, with authorities emphasizing the possibility of domestic disputes. They suggest that the allocation of meters should consider various household dynamics beyond a single criterion. NEPRA’s forthcoming ruling on these issues is anticipated to significantly influence the landscape of electricity charges and distribution throughout the country, shaping the future financial burden on power consumers.
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