The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reserved its decision on a proposed increase of Rs2.56 per unit in electricity prices under the September fuel price adjustment.

If approved, the increase could place an additional burden of Rs32.66 billion on electricity consumers across Pakistan, including Karachi.

During the hearing, officials of the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) informed NEPRA that the average fuel cost of electricity stood at Rs10.02 per unit in September, compared with the estimated cost of Rs7.46 per unit.

The CPPA reported that total electricity generation costs reached Rs127.87 billion during the month.

Coal, Gas and Oil Generation Costs

According to the CPPA, electricity generation from local coal cost Rs7.95 billion, while imported coal-based production accounted for Rs37.14 billion.

Power generation through diesel cost Rs13.26 billion, while furnace oil accounted for Rs11.81 billion. Electricity produced using local gas cost Rs13.89 billion.

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The cost of electricity generated through liquefied natural gas (LNG) reached Rs31.93 billion.

Meanwhile, power distribution companies (DISCOs) collectively sold 12.76 billion units of electricity during September.

Load Management Helped Limit Proposed Increase

During the hearing, the Power Division said the September fuel price adjustment could have reached Rs5 to Rs6 per unit.

However, it said various measures, including two hours of load management, helped limit the proposed increase to Rs2.56 per unit.

The CPPA had already submitted a formal request seeking the Rs2.56 per unit increase under the September fuel price adjustment.

NEPRA has reserved its decision. The proposed increase will take effect only if the authority approves the request.