Power companies in Pakistan are seeking an electricity bill refund of Rs5.6 billion for November usage. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) requested a 72 paise per unit negative fuel cost adjustment. If approved, consumers will see the refund in their January electricity bills. Nepra has scheduled a public hearing on December 31 to review the request.
The CPPA reported November power consumption was 1.25% higher than last year but 18% lower than October. Around 7,813 GWh of electricity was delivered to distribution companies in November. The fuel cost per unit dropped to Rs6.16 compared to Rs8.72 per unit in October. This decrease leads to a 72 paise saving per unit for consumers.
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Hydropower provided the largest contribution to the national grid at 39%, up from 27.4% in October. Nuclear energy contributed 25%, while local coal made up 9.34% of total electricity. RLNG generation dropped to 8.64%, and local gas contributed 8.4% of total supply. Imported coal made up 5%, while renewables added 3.7% with almost zero fuel cost.
RLNG remained the most expensive fuel at Rs21.58 per unit, followed by local coal at Rs17.77. Local gas cost Rs14.33 per unit, and imported coal Rs14.14 per unit. Nuclear fuel was cheapest at Rs2.27 per unit, and wind and solar energy had no fuel cost. Electricity imported from Iran made up 0.43% of supply at Rs22.57 per unit.
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Overall, the electricity bill refund reflects lower fuel costs and higher generation from cheaper sources. Consumers can expect savings in January bills if Nepra approves the CPPA request. This adjustment demonstrates the impact of fuel mix on national electricity costs. Clearly, the electricity bill refund offers relief to millions of consumers across Pakistan.