PM to be briefed on excessive power bills today(Thursday)

ISLAMABAD, Nov 5 (INP): The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday notified 52-paisa per unit increase in power tariff. The on its part has also withdrawn subsidy on felectricity by Rs 1.50 per unit that would cost the consumers by about Rs 27 billion in a year.

Surprisingly, the latest increase was notified under the fuel adjustment head at a time when international oil prices are on a declining trend and the government has also substantially decreased the POL prices. According to NEPRA sources, instead of reducing the electricity rates, electricity equalisation surcharge has also been imposed from first October, 2014 equal to Rs 1.50 per unit that would continue till 30th September, 2015.

The increase has also been notified at a time when there is lot of criticism and anger among the people over excessive electricity and the Prime Minister is to be briefed at the special cabinet meeting on Thursday(tomorrow) by the Cabinet Committee led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar about the reasons behind the excessive billing. As per the notification domestic users consuming less than 50 units a month would be exempted. The increase would also not be applicable to K-Electric that supplies electricity to Karachi.

INP