ISLAMABAD: The power distribution companies (DISCOs) have requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to pass on approximately Rs17.2 billion to the already burdened power consumers.
Following the requests of DISCOs to adjust variation in power purchase price (PPP) for the quarter of the fiscal year 2019-20 (July-Sept FY20), NEPRA has decided to conduct a hearing on the matter on 20th November to arrive at a just and informed decision.
As per the sources in the power sector, if NEPRA approves the quarterly adjustments of DISCOs on account of variation in the power purchase price, then the power consumers will face around Rs17.2 billion worth heavy burden. DISCOs, in their requests, have sought 17-paisa per unit hike in the electricity price, they added.
According to documents available with this scribe, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESC) has sought collection of Rs1.44 billion from the electricity consumers, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has asked for a collection of Rs5 billion, Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) Rs1.53 billion, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) Rs994 million, Multan Electric Supply Company (MEPCO) Rs2.21 billion, Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) Rs3.6 billion, Hyderabad (HESCO) Rs2.5 billion, and Quetta (QESCO) Rs1.52 billion and Sukkur (SEPCO) Rs1.19 billion.
NEPRA had determined the tariff of DISCOs for the FY2017-18 and the same has been notified by the federal government with effect from January 1, 2019. Pursuant thereto, the DISCOs have filed their requests for adjustments on account of variation in PPP for the quarter of FY20 in line with the notified mechanism.
NEPRA, in its notice of hearing, invited all the interested/affected parties to submit written/oral comments or objections as permissible under the law.
