The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Thursday approved the extension of flat electricity tariff; to industrial consumers across the country without the application of expensive peak charges till June 30, 2022.
The approval came following a decision of the Cabinet Committee of the Cabinet and ratified by the Federal Cabinet on the ground that the industrial support package; had contributed significantly to growth in industrial output and resultantly the economic growth rate.
“The authority has no objection in approving the instant proposal regarding extension of peak tariff for industrial consumer till June 30, 2022; both for the consumers of ex-Discos and K-Electric,” said the regulator in its determination. Also, saying the extension did not have any impact on Nepra determined tariff; since the federal government will bridge the gap through the provision of additional subsidy.
Therefore, even during peak hours, “the off-peak rate along with applicable quarterly adjustments would be charged; and the difference in this regard would pick up by the GOP as subsidy; is approved till June 30, 2022”. The package means the industrial consumers would be provided electricity at flat Rs12.96 per unit.
However, the regulator rejects a request of the Ministry of Energy and KE; for automatic incorporation of extension in industrial package in the then prevailing tariff structure of Discos and KE for future interactions.
However, it says “before giving any such approvals, complete justification of the proposal along with input from all the stakeholders needs to be taken into account, therefore; request of MoE and K-Electric for an automatic extension of Industrial Support Package does not accept.