Fuel adjustments bring relief, but debates continue over cost and efficiency
ISLAMABAD:
Consumers of K-Electric (KE) are set to benefit from a reduction of up to Rs0.27 per unit in electricity rates as part of the Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA) for the month of October 2024. This relief follows a similar reduction of Rs0.17 per unit granted in September 2024, providing some financial ease to residents of Karachi.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) held a public hearing on Thursday to discuss KE’s proposed FCA adjustment. During the session, Nepra member shared comparative data from the past three years, indicating that KE customers have generally paid lower FCA rates than those served by other power distribution companies, known as XWDISCOs.
KE had requested a Rs0.27 per unit reduction to be passed on to its customers in their bills for October 2024. The hearing sparked a heated discussion, with some commentators alleging that Karachi residents bear the brunt of “expensive” electricity due to inefficiencies and higher production costs. In response, Nepra officials presented data showing that, in recent years, KE customers have not faced the highest FCA charges nationwide.
