Daily Times

The power distribution companies (Discos), excluding K-Electric, are exacerbating the challenges for electricity consumers by requesting a significant hike in January 2024 bills.

These Discos are seeking approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to impose an additional Rs4.6617 per unit on consumers for January 2024, citing the fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for November 2023.

The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), acting on behalf of Discos, has submitted an application to Nepra seeking an increase in electricity prices under the November 2023 FCA.

Nepra has scheduled a public hearing on December 27 to assess the November FCA and has invited all concerned parties to submit written or oral objections as allowed by law.

According to the CPPA’s application, the total electricity generated in November was 7,547 gigawatt-hours (GWh), priced at Rs7.1704 per unit, resulting in an overall energy cost of Rs54.113 billion.

Hydel power contributed 2,755 GWh (36.50%), incurring no power generation costs. Coal-fired power plants produced 1,473 GWh (13.08%) at a total cost of Rs15 billion (Rs15.27/unit), combining local and imported coal sources (987 + 486 GWh).

Gas-based power plants generated 695 GWh (9.21%) at Rs14.6197 per unit, while Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) contributed 798 GWh (10.57%) at Rs23.7171 per unit.

In addition, power from bagasse amounted to 27 GWh at Rs6 per unit. Wind power recorded 148 GWh (1.96%), and solar power contributed 50 GWh (0.66%) to the total generation in November.