Karachi Electric Seeks Approval for Price Hike, Decision Deferred

Karachi: The request by K-Electric to raise electricity rates by Rs. 5.45 per unit remains undecided following the intervention by NEPRA. K-Electric had petitioned for an adjustment in fuel prices, citing increased costs during the months of May and June.
NEPRA has completed its hearing on K-Electric’s request and decided to defer a verdict pending further review of financial implications. During the hearing, representatives clashed over the impact of rising RLNG prices on electricity generation costs, with K-Electric asserting higher costs from its RLNG-based power plants.
The Jamiat-e-Islamic representative criticized both K-Electric and NEPRA, rejecting the proposed price hikes for May and June. He highlighted the burden on consumers already facing high electricity tariffs, urging NEPRA to cancel K-Electric’s generation license if necessary.
The contentious session also saw accusations of illegal PMTs operating in Karachi’s Sargani Town, which NEPRA acknowledged but took no immediate action on. The issue underscores growing public discontent, with demands for transparency in utility pricing decisions.
Chairman NEPRA defended the authority’s process, stressing that all decisions are made in consultation with members and published on their website. Meanwhile, concerns persist over the economic impact of the proposed tariff increases amidst Karachi’s sweltering summer and ongoing load shedding issues.
Critics, including consumer groups, have condemned K-Electric’s alleged profiteering and called for fairer utility pricing aligned with national economic interests. The ongoing debate reflects broader challenges in Pakistan’s energy sector governance, with stakeholders demanding more accountability and equitable tariff structures.
As the situation develops, stakeholders await NEPRA’s final decision, which could have significant implications for Karachi’s electricity consumers and the broader energy landscape.