Electricity Tariff Likely to Increase by 45 Paisa for Three Months

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily)** — The federal government has proposed a **45-paisa per unit increase in electricity prices** for a three-month period under the **first quarterly adjustment** for distribution companies (DISCOs) and K-Electric.

The **National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)**, chaired by **Waseem Mukhtar**, held a public hearing on the government’s request. According to reports, **DISCOs have sought Rs 8.41 billion** under the same adjustment.

During the hearing, **consumer representatives** questioned the timing of the proposed increase, pointing out that **the Prime Minister recently announced a Rs 7.41 per unit reduction** for three months. They also highlighted that **circular debt continues to rise**, despite the introduction of **agricultural and industrial relief packages**.

NEPRA member **Rafiq Sheikh** from Sindh remarked that under the current structure, **the circular debt crisis cannot be eliminated**. Industrial consumers noted they are already paying a **Rs 3.23 per unit surcharge** due to circular debt and expressed concern that additional surcharges on bank loans could persist.

NEPRA officials emphasized that unless **power theft and line losses are reduced** and **recovery rates improve**, **circular debt will continue to grow**. Meanwhile, the **Power Division** stated that rising losses were caused by **poor recovery and additional inefficiencies**.

NEPRA concluded the hearing and will **review the data before forwarding its decision** to the federal government for final approval.