Utilities seek Rs1.27/unit recovery as 9-month power refund streak ends

Nepra will hold a public hearing on May 29 to assess if the charges follow the economic merit order

By Israr Khan
May 22, 2025
A general view of the high voltage lines during a nationwide power outage in Rawalpindi on January 23, 2023. — AFP
A general view of the high voltage lines during a nationwide power outage in Rawalpindi on January 23, 2023. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: For the first time since July 2024, the state-run power distribution companies have sought Nepra’s permission to recover Rs1.268 per unit from consumers under April 2025 fuel charges adjustment (FCA), ending a nine-month streak of monthly refunds.The electricity demand surged by more than 20 percent in April compared to the same month last year — a positive sign for the economy and consumers — even as the average generation cost rose by 7.73 percent year-on-year.

The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), on behalf of Discos, has filed a petition with Nepra, seeking approval to recover costs from the consumers in June bills.

Nepra will hold a public hearing on May 29 to assess if the charges follow the economic merit order.