NEPRA raises electricity price despite protests

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced an increase in electricity rates by Rs1.46 per unit, adding to the woes of the consumers who are already facing high inflation and inflated bills. This hike comes as a monthly fuel adjustment in July’s pricing.

NEPRA issued a notification regarding the price hike, which is set to take effect from September, affecting electricity bills for the upcoming month.

NEPRA said that this increase will not be applicable to lifeline consumers and K-Electric consumers.

The decision has sparked resentment among the people, who have been staging protests across the country against inflated electricity bills and excessive taxes.

Protests have been held in several cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Okara, Jhang, Sadiqabad and Malakand.

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The protesters have burnt their electricity bills, blocked highways, attacked power companies’ offices and demanded relief from the government.

The protesters have also accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises of providing cheap electricity to the people. They have blamed the government for succumbing to the pressure of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which had imposed tough conditions on Pakistan to end energy subsidies and meet revenue targets for a $3bn loan. The IMF loan was aimed at reviving the country’s crumbling economy, which was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods last year.

The government has defended its decision to raise electricity prices, saying that it was necessary to cover the rising cost of fuel and power generation. It has also claimed that it was working on improving the efficiency and transparency of the power sector and reducing circular debt. However, these claims have failed to convince the people, who are struggling to make ends meet amid soaring prices of essential commodities and low incomes.