The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has taken power distribution companies to task during a hearing on a request to impose an additional burden of over Rs. 310 billion on electricity consumers.

The hearing, chaired by NEPRA Chairman Wasim Akhtar on Thursday, saw heated discussions regarding the proposed tariff hike.

NEPRA’s member from Balochistan questioned the rationale behind the request, stating that despite claims of declining electricity demand, consumers were burdened with an additional Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) last year due to stagnant growth. He demanded accurate figures to justify the current proposal.

He further pointed out the import of 6,000 MW of solar plants in the country, implying that electricity generated from these sources should be factored into the demand calculations.

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The member from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlighted the impact of rising electricity prices on consumer behavior, stating that people have reduced their consumption due to affordability issues. He demanded a solution to the high electricity costs, which has been neglected in the discussions.

During the hearing, officials from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) revealed that 1,900 MW of electricity was generated through net metering, with an annual generation of 1,000 MW.

NEPRA questioned the actual electricity shortfall and demand in the country. In response, officials from the National Power Control Center (NPCC) stated that the total electricity generation in the country currently stands at 21,600 MW.

The hearing concluded with NEPRA demanding further clarification and justification from the power distribution companies regarding the proposed tariff hike.