
MYT regime: Nepra unveils KE's 7-year D&T tariffs
The power utility company has also been allowed Use of System Charges (UoSC) revenue of Rs 43.447 billion for the FY 2023-24, its impact will also be around Rs 3.30 per unit and it can be changed when investment plan is approved.
These determinations will not affect the electricity rates charged to consumers, as these continue to be governed under the uniform tariff policy applicable across Pakistan.
Leghari's remarks on KE's 7-year MYT spark controversy
NEPRA held a public hearing on June 27, 2024, on the distribution tariff, attended by several interveners from Karachi and other areas.
K-Electric had requested a return on equity of 16 percent for its distribution segment, but NEPRA approved it at 14 percent, significantly lower than requested by K-Electric. Similarly, the return on equity for transmission was approved at 12 percent, down from KE's requested 15 percent.
Regarding the seven-year tariff control period, KE explained that as a private entity, it secures financing without government guarantees. Lenders require cash flow projections over the assets' life, which for KE exceeds the 7-year control period. KE's long-term loans usually span 10-12 years, while asset life ranges from 10 to 30 years.
KE requested a tariff control period of seven years (FY 2024 to FY 2030), consistent with previous allowances and the approved investment plan for transmission and distribution (T&D). A sustainable long-term tariff is crucial for financing and equity investment, as lenders require clear revenue and profitability forecasts. A shorter control period would hinder KE's ability to secure financing and assess project viability.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Digitalisation: FBR's Rs200,000 cash cap puts pressure on retailers, e-commerce
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has tightened documentation of the retail and e-commerce sectors by capping cash transactions at Rs200,000 applicable to both traditional markets and online Cash on Delivery (CoD) orders. This is likely to put pressure on retailers, consumers to turn towards a cashless economy. FBR sets Rs200,000 cash payment limit, e-commerce CoD orders Impact on digital payments By capping cash payments, the FBR is nudging both retailers and consumers towards digital channels (bank transfers, debit/credit cards, mobile wallets, Raast). One reason CoD dominates in Pakistan's e-commerce (over 80% of orders) is consumer distrust of online payments. The new cap could push platforms to build stronger trust in digital checkout. This is likely to lead to greater financial inclusion as small businesses and e-commerce platforms integrate digital payment systems. High-value shoppers who relied on CoD may now be pushed toward pre-payment or digital settlement, reducing dependency on cash. Impact on e-commerce Logistics and courier companies handling CoD will need to adjust systems to reject or split orders above Rs 200,000, which is likely to increase operational complexity. One reason CoD dominates in Pakistan's e-commerce (over 80% of orders) is consumer distrust of online payments. The new cap could push platforms to build stronger trust in digital checkout. Lower cash handling by couriers may even reduce theft, fraud and cash mismanagement. Taxing the digital frontier: Pakistan's bold move to tap e-commerce and online revenues This latest move aligns with International Monetary Fund (IMF) backed reforms to formalise the economy and increase tax compliance as digital payments are likely to create a trail of transactions that can be monitored and taxed. Similar restrictions have been enforced also in other countries. India, for instance, capped cash transactions above INR 200,000 in a day in 2017, a move that coincided with the country's demonetisation drive and spurred the adoption of payment platforms like UPI. Bangladesh, too, has set caps on cash payments for corporate expenses to encourage digital trails. Pakistan's measure mirrors these regional shifts, though adoption may be slower given the dominance of cash. If enforced effectively, the Rs200,000 limit could help accelerate Pakistan's transition toward a cash-lite economy, in line with IMF-backed reform commitments. Success, however, will hinge on whether retailers and consumers adapt smoothly - or resist the transition.


Business Recorder
13 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Chinese CPEC IPPs press Pakistan govt for Rs475bn dues
ISLAMABAD: As the date of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China draws closer, Chinese CPEC Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have mounted pressure on the government for clearance of their outstanding receivables, which currently stand at around Rs 475 billion, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Chinese CPEC IPPs have been writing letters to government functionaries, with copies also shared with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan. The Ambassador, sources said, is actively engaging with senior Pakistani officials to finalize the Prime Minister's agenda for bilateral meetings with Chinese leadership. In a recent letter, Wang Dongfang, CEO of Port Qasim Electric Power Company (PQEPC), expressed deep concern over the growing delays in tariff payments by the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G). Debt re-profiling with Chinese IPPs: PD, FD likely to share implementation proposal According to Wang, under the Government of Pakistan's guidance, the 1,320 MW Port Qasim Coal-Fired Power Project—one of the flagship energy ventures under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—has consistently provided clean, reliable, and economical electricity to the national grid. 'While we highly appreciate the efforts of the Government of Pakistan and CPPA-G in arranging funds and making tariff payments to IPPs, the total outstanding amount due to PQEPC has reached Rs 81 billion ($286.94 million) as of July 31, 2025, with a delay period of over six months, which could further escalate,' the letter stated. The CEO cautioned that shareholders and sponsors of the project, including those from China and Qatar, have conveyed 'significant discontent' over the payment backlog and have requested urgent measures to reduce the outstanding amount. 'We would like to notify that the current dues entitle PQEPC to suspend plant operations under Section 9.10 of the PPA, without any liability for Liquidated Damages (LDs),' the CEO warned. PQEPC also highlighted that its Energy Purchase Price (EPP) tariff is comparatively more competitive than oil- and RLNG-based power plants. Suspension of operations, the CEO warned, would result in a 'lose-lose' outcome, which both sides must avoid through timely settlement of dues to ensure sustainable generation and prevent triggering defaults under Loan Agreements and the Government of Pakistan's Sovereign Guarantee. Concluding his letter, Wang urged the Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Planning Minster, Ahsan Iqbal to take immediate notice of the 'critical situation' and coordinate with relevant authorities to arrange financial support for CPPA-G so that the outstanding dues could be cleared without further delay. When an official was contacted for comments on the correspondence of Chinese CPEC IPPs on payment of outstanding amounts, he responded that since the government does not have enough fiscal space, the payments will be made on the basis of availability of resources. However, energy payments are being made to them through Escrow Account. The government has earmarked Rs 5 billion per month to be paid to the Chinese CPEC IPPs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Circular debt: Pakistan govt moves to cut LNG import, reform gas sector
ISLAMABAD: The government is fine-tuning reforms in the gas sector, including the reduction of two LNG cargoes per month, along with other measures aimed at bringing the circular debt flow of the sector to zero, well-informed sources in Petroleum Division told Business Recorder. Currently, the gas sector's circular debt stands at around Rs 2.6 trillion, mainly due to lower RLNG consumption by the power sector. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has directed the government to eliminate the gas sector's circular debt flow. The fourth meeting of the committee was held on August 8, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Minister for Petroleum at the Task Force Headquarters, Army Air Defence HQ, Westridge, Rawalpindi. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatization, Lt-General Zafar Iqbal, Secretary Petroleum, and representatives of OGRA. IMF delineates steps to address gas circular debt The Petroleum Minister briefed participants on his recent meeting with the Prime Minister, during which the Task Force on Power presented issues arising from reduced LNG off take by the power sector. He emphasized the need for a clear strategy ahead of the planned visit to Qatar. The Minister also updated the forum on the progress made in the previous three committee meetings, where the work of four sub-committees was reviewed: Sub-committee 1–led by the Secretary Power, tasked with making recommendations on LNG demand synchronisation for power plants. This includes improved forecasting and coordination, as well as addressing queries raised earlier regarding Energy Purchase Price (EPP) comparisons between imported coal and RLNG. Sub-committee -2 –progress on the Gas Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP), to be presented by the Advisor to PM on Privatization. Sub-committee 3 led by the Secretary Petroleum Division, focusing on recommendations for the reduction/review of RLNG sale price components and add-ons. Sub-committee 4 headed by the Chairman OGRA, tasked with reviewing components of revenue requirements, particularly the return-on-asset formula for the Sui companies. The progress reported by the conveners of the sub-committees provided is as follows : Sub-Committee-1: LNG Demand Synchronization: Secretary Power noted that based on the discussions held in the third review meeting, options of comparing energy purchase price of imported coal versus RLNG have been prepared. He stated that 50 percent generation from imported coal-based plants is a must off-take, however, less generation is being taken from these plants. He further stated that RLNG based power plants cannot be declared as 'must-run' power plants as the same will have implications on overall power generation basket. He emphasized that a technical level coordination committee needs to be constituted between Power and Petroleum Division to address the issues of RLNG demand and off-take. Naveed Qaiser, a representative of Power Planning & Monitoring Company (PPMC) which has squeezed the roles of PPIB and CPPA-G presented the numbers of imported coal versus RLNG energy purchase price as was asked by the Committee in its 3rd meeting. He said that at current RLNG price power sector is consuming upto 340 mmcfd of RLNG which can have additional consumption of upto 174 mmcfd at RLNG tariff of Rs. 1,500/mmbtu and 127 mmcfd at RLNG tariff of Rs. 2,000/mmbtu respectively. He however, highlighted financial implications on power generation basket in both incremental RLNG usage options of Rs. 88 billion and Rs. 41 billion per annum. Lt-General Zafar Iqbal pointed out that Task Force team has worked out that RLNG at WACOG of Rs. 2,200/mmbtu will manifold increase its consumption in power sector. He emphasized that there is on-going study on conversion of imported coal power plants to local coal and consumption of additional RLNG would, at indicated tariff, be beneficial for both Petroleum and Power sectors. He further explained that country's average demand of power during winters is 12,500 MW whereas same is 25,500 MW in summer when all plants are up and running. He stressed that Power Division may review the numbers of the comparative tariff with imported coal where RLNG intake can increase i.e., replacing the imported coal-based generation. Advisor to PM on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali also emphasized reworking of fuel cost numbers of imported coal versus RLNG in respect of increased consumption of RLNG in power so that demand numbers for LNG cargoes could be firmed. He proposed 24 cargoes be taken into NPD for CY26; Secretary Petroleum proposed extension of contract beyond 2031 was better than NPD route to address the issue of surplus cargoes. =The Committee decided that Secretary Power and Secretary Petroleum will work towards institutionalizing a coordination mechanism on short-term and it would be shared in the next meeting for concurrence of the Committee. The demand goes upto 12,500 MW in winters, in summers when the production goes up to 25,500 MW, all thermal plants are operating. If power substitutes the imported coal, at the RLNG rate of Rs. 2,000/mmbtu price, the Power Division maintained that it could lift 127 mmcfd more and that this analysis may be conducted by Task Force and Power Division on price and additional lift-off. The chair decided that sub-committee-1 firms up its recommendations with task force and submit its final report. Sub-Committee-2: Circular Debt Mitigation: Advisor to PM Privatisation, Muhammad Ali informed that a meeting with KPMG, Task Force team and Petroleum Division has already been held wherein detailed data has been exchanged. He stated that Task Force team is closely working with KPMG to develop options on gas CDMP and same will be presented next week. On the request of Advisor, Asad Hussain of Task Force presented concept paper and basic premise for CDMP work. He highlighted that five cash inflow options for settlement of stock of gas CD which included: (i) savings from LNG cargoes diversion (ii) imposition of PL of Rs. 5/liter (iii) use of incremental dividends of SOEs (E&P companies) (iv) RLNG receivables from power sector and (v) 100 percent waiver of LPS/interest payable to gas producers. He highlighted that Task Force is closely working with KPMG to finalize the gas CDMP. Lt-General Zafar Iqbal observed that 24 surplus cargoes per annum should be taken for contract extension beyond year 2031 third-party sale/ Net Proceed Differential. Secretary Petroleum Division suggested that if power demand increases at reduced RLNG tariff then number of cargoes should be reviewed and confirmed before visit to Qatar. He also proposed IMF sensitivities, Reko Diq commitments and foreign listing (GDR requirement be kept in mind). Lt-General Zafar Iqbal suggested that all cash inflows/revenues especially PL should be ring-fenced for settlement of gas CD. Minister for Petroleum Division also supported the same, citing N-52 formula, however, he observed that utilisation of collections of levy previously granted to Power Division as allowed by Finance Division should be extended to Petroleum Division for settlement of circular debt (as tariff reduction delinked). Representative from KPMG highlighted that auditors of SOE's may also be taken on board with specific reference to IAS-39. On the apprehension of committee at projected cash flows of SOEs and dividends without hurting their future investments in important projects like Reko Diq, Advisor to PM suggested that KPMG and Asad Hussain develop the working in the CDMP. Minister for Petroleum Division recommended that Additional Secretary (Policy) and Asad Naqvi, KPMG and CEOs of the companies discuss the proposed scheme to be discussed in the next meeting. He emphasized that CEOs/CFOs of the SOEs must satisfy the committee on the above stated matters. Sub-Committee-3: LNG Tariff Rationalization : Secretary Petroleum Division highlighted that sub-committee is working on RLNG cost components which include the PQA charges and a meeting in this regard is scheduled with PQA. He stated that numbers are being firmed up and would be presented in next meeting of the committee. He highlighted that with respect to scope of the sub-committee regarding LNG demand increase, a case has been moved for relaxation of moratorium in respect of pending and new individual gas connection applications. Minister for Petroleum Division observed that since option of a reduction of LNG cargoes is on the cards, therefore, optimum utilization of terminals needs to be worked out for cost reduction. It was noted that the option of shelving of 2 LNG cargoes per month working done so far takes into account the optimal combination for terminal capacity utilization which comprises of regasification of 3 LNG cargoes at terminal-1 and 4 LNG cargoes at terminal -2. Minister for Petroleum advised that sub-committee holds meeting(s) and finalizes its recommendations early next week. Sub-Committee-4: Domestic Gas Tariff Efficiency and Transparency: Chairman OGRA, being lead of this sub-committee made a presentation on the work done by the committee so far. He highlighted that for the review of the key component of the revenue requirement i.e, Return on Asset (RoA), OGRA has issued Letter of Intent (LoI) to selected consultant who will submit study/report within 90 days. He stated although the cost of gas alone is 89% of the total revenue requirements and there is little room for squeezing the cost components, however, OGRA is objectively reviewing the other components like fixed/ variable costs, T&D costs especially HR benchmarking. He informed that Sui Companies demonstrated improvement in their UFG against OGRA approved benchmark. He informed that as per the UFG study done in year 2018 through KPMG, UFG benchmark of 7.6 percent was fixed for a period of 5 years which comprises of 5 percent technical allowance and 2.6 percent based on meeting 30 Key Monitoring Indicators. He stated that digitization of gas flow stations like Sale Meter Station, Town Border Station and Consumer Meter Station is giving real-time information to companies and helping isolate the loss-making areas. Minister for Petroleum Division observed that in-line with licence condition of the Sui companies, the UFG targets need to be reviewed periodically. He also enquired after the UFG study done in 2018 which was valid until 2023, on how OGRA is benchmarking UFG targets thereafter. OGRA Chairman responded that earlier OGRA used to apply benchmark on both T&D UFG, however, now that practice was discontinued in FY23 and UFG targets are set separately for transmission and distributions segments. It was noted that OGRA is considering to do a new study on UFG benchmarking which would take 6-8 months' time. Minister for Petroleum Division advised that new UFG study be completed by OGRA by November 30, 2025. He also stressed upon the need that sub-committee should make recommendations at review of revenue requirements on quantitative basis (instead of qualitative basis) keeping materiality of report before the next meeting of the committee. Insiders claim that the Power sector Task Force has done extensive work on the issue of excess gas in the country and how to resolve RLNG supply issue. The officials also confirmed that senior members of the Task Force made a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister and senior government ministers and officials on roadmap for RLNG cargoes and ways to reduce gas prices for industry and power sector. Sources say this was aimed at improving energy security by increasing use of domestic gas and increasing exports through reduction of gas price for industry and power. Among various measures proposed, the RLNG ring-fencing mechanism was suggested to be done away with and having one blended gas price for industry and power. The final report will be submitted to the Prime Minister's Office as per Notification of the Committee. It was advised that meeting of the main committee may be held at on August 18, 2025 (today) at Head Quarters of Task on Power, Rawalpindi. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025