By our correspondent
KARACHI: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has concluded the public hearing on K-Electric’s monthly fuel cost adjustment for March and reserved its decision. The hearing, chaired by NEPRA’S chairman, focused on K-Electric’s request to reduce the fuel cost adjustment (FCA) by Rs5.02 per unit.
NEPRA clarified that if approved, the reduction would apply only to June bills and would affect all K-Electric consumers, excluding those in the lifeline and protected categories. Prepaid users and electric vehicle charging stations would also benefit from the adjustment. NEPRA stated it would review further data before issuing a detailed ruling.
During the hearing, consumers expressed frustration, claiming that NEPRA fails to enforce its own consumer service rules. Many said their electricity bills remain unexamined despite repeated complaints, while severe load-shedding has hit Karachi with the onset of summer. Questions were raised about why NEPRA has not penalized K-Electric for the worsening power outages.
A NEPRA member questioned K-Electric officials on the inconsistency of power cuts, pointing out that connections remain uninterrupted in winter but load-shedding intensifies in summer. The member challenged K-Electric’s distribution conditions, saying the reality on the ground contradicts the company’s claims.
Concerns were also raised over K-Electric’s stockpile of Rs500 million worth of furnace oil. NEPRA asked why the plants are not operational despite the available fuel. K-Electric responded that the stock is needed as a backup, to run alternative plants if any unit shuts down. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce representative urged NEPRA to find solutions to the crippling load-shedding during the hot months.
