ISLAMABAD: The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) reported during a NEPRA hearing that 12.75 billion power units were sold in August this year. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) was reviewing an application regarding Fuel Adjustment Charges for that month.
The CPPA noted a 20 percent decrease in power consumption, highlighting a particularly concerning drop in industrial usage. NEPRA member Rafiq Shaikh pointed out that both the industrial and agricultural sectors are experiencing reduced consumption, attributing this trend partly to rising electricity tariffs.
The NEPRA chairman expressed concerns about the decline in power demand, stating, “Industries are shutting down, which is contributing to the decreased demand.” He further noted that industry representatives have indicated that high electricity costs are forcing some industrial units to close.
Shaikh emphasized the lack of recent studies over the past five to six months to explain the decline in demand, stating, “We don’t have substantial reasons for this downward trend.”
An official from the power division mentioned that 13,000 megawatts of solar panels have been imported in the last seven months, suggesting that demand could rise if support is provided to the industry.
The CPPA official added that quarterly adjustments will increase as demand continues to fall, while NEPRA members highlighted that consumers are bearing the burden of revenue shortfalls. Additionally, it was noted that the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant has been operating at reduced capacity for the past three months.
