NEPRA reserves verdict on govt plea for Rs1.39 increase in basic power tariff

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reserved the verdict after completing hearing of the government petition regarding an increase in basic power tariff by Rs1.39 per unit on Tuesday.

During the hearing, the NEPRA reviewed the impact of the increase on each category of consumers. The NEPRA officials questioned why the subsidy was decided when the government had asked for an increase of Rs3.34. The department approved an increase of Rs1.95 at that time.

NEPRA Chairman Tauseef Farooqi said that the tariff of Rs3.34 is the discretion of the government. He said that the application would put the burden of Rs1.68 on the consumers.

The Energy Ministry officials said that they want to protect the consumers using 100-200 units from the effects of the surcharge. "The government aim is to move towards the targeted subsidy. If consumers using up to 300 units are saved from this tariff, then others would be affected," he added.

The NERRA chairman said that the increase would be a burden on the poor man. "The decision will be issued after scrutiny," he announced.