Latest news with #NEPRA
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PA unites against NEPRA's Rs50b surcharge
The Sindh Assembly session was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Panel of Chairperson Nida Khuhro. At the beginning of the session, Fateha was offered for the martyrs of the military who were victims of terrorism in Balochistan and the martyred Palestinians in Gaza, while prayers were also offered for the security and prosperity of the country. During the session, a joint resolution submitted by MQM-P's Aamir Siddiqui, PPP's Heer Soho, and PTI's Shabbir Qureshi was unanimously passed, opposing the Rs50 billion surcharge imposed on Karachi's electricity consumers by NEPRA. The resolution sparked a detailed discussion, with both treasury and opposition members severely criticizing the inefficiency of power distribution companies including K-Electric, HESCO and SEPCO, citing prolonged load shedding and unjustified billing. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that resolutions have been presented against K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO in every session of the assembly, but unfortunately, the authorities of the concerned institutions do not even pay heed to them. Addressing the Sindh Assembly session, Sharjeel Memon said that the Sindh government has initiated the provision of solar systems for citizens living in extreme temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. However, he emphasized that this is not a permanent solution. A long-term and sustainable resolution to the electricity crisis must be found, as this country belongs to all of us. Sharjeel suggested that electricity distribution companies should introduce a prepaid metering system, as it would not only help address consumer complaints but also curb issues such as electricity theft. He emphasized that institutions like K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO must adopt an effective mechanism that enables electricity to be provided to consumers on an individual basis. Sharjeel Inam Memon said that once everyone has a prepaid connection, there will be no room for complaints. Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi stressed the importance of implementing Assembly resolutions, warning that ignoring them undermines the legislature's authority. He called on the federal government and NEPRA to reverse the financial burden placed on the people of Karachi and Sindh. MQM's Aamir Siddiqui denounced NEPRA's July 18 decision as unjust, arguing that industries were relocating to other provinces, and K-Electric was using the pretext of electricity theft to unfairly extract billions from the public. PTI's Shabbir Qureshi proposed raising the base consumption slab for electricity from 200 to 300 units to protect low-income households from excessive charges. PPP lawmakers Heer Soho and Asif Musa also criticized the current policy, highlighting that even a single unit above the threshold triggers steep billing, placing unbearable pressure on poor citizens. PPP MPA Jameel Soomro likened electricity companies to the "East India Company," highlighting the disparity in service between cities like Larkana, suffering 18-hour outages, and cities like Lahore, which enjoy better electricity supply. Khuram Soomro lamented that electricity company officials ignored the Assembly's summons, demanding legislative action against K-Electric and WAPDA for disrespecting the house. MQM's Najam Mirza accused NEPRA of economically exploiting Sindh's urban population, while PTI's Muhammad Owais proposed a law requiring FIRs to be registered against K-Electric managers for exceeding 10 hours of load shedding, which he deemed illegal. After extensive discussion, the resolution was passed unanimously. The session was then adjourned until Friday at 3 PM.
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Karachi's electricity consumers: Sindh PA rejects Rs50bn extra burden
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a joint resolution rejecting NEPRA's decision to burden Karachi's electricity consumers with an additional Rs50 billion through inflated bills. The resolution, jointly tabled by Muttahida Qaumi Movement's Aamir Siddiqui, Pakistan Peoples Party's Heer Ismail Soho, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Shabbir Qureshi, drew rare consensus from both the treasury and opposition benches. During the heated debate that preceded the vote, lawmakers from across party lines slammed power distribution companies—K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO—for prolonged load shedding, overbilling, and poor service delivery in Sindh. The criticism came amid soaring temperatures and mounting public frustration over unrelenting outages and unaffordable electricity bills. Sindh Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that despite repeated resolutions against power companies over multiple assembly sessions, the authorities have shown no willingness to address public grievances. He revealed that the provincial government had started distributing solar systems to residents enduring extreme heat, but acknowledged it was a temporary measure. A sustainable and long-term solution to the energy crisis, he stressed, was essential. Proposing a way forward, Sharjeel Inam Memon called for the immediate introduction of prepaid electricity meters to curb theft and resolve billing disputes. He said electricity companies must either adopt this mechanism or end the collective punishment of entire neighborhoods due to the non-payment or illegal connections by a few. According to him, a prepaid system would ensure fair and individual accountability, eliminating the need for blanket penalties. He urged the federal government and NEPRA to act justly, asserting that paying consumers must not suffer for the misdeeds of defaulters or the inefficiencies of power companies. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi echoed these sentiments, stating the resolution reflected the will of the province's largest elected forum and should be respected by federal authorities. He warned that ignoring the voice of the assembly would undermine the very purpose of parliamentary representation. Condemning the hike as unjust and exploitative, he accused K-Electric of extorting the people of Karachi under the guise of billing adjustments and demanded that the decision be reversed. Presenting the resolution, Aamir Siddiqui of MQM said NEPRA's July 18 directive was tantamount to economic sabotage against Karachi's industrial base. He warned that factories were already relocating to other provinces and alleged that the Rs50 billion surcharge was a cover for K-Electric's own inefficiencies. He insisted there was no constitutional basis for collective punishment and criticized NEPRA for issuing the order without public consultation. PTI's Shabbir Qureshi called for raising the 200-unit threshold for residential consumers to 300 units, arguing that the current billing slabs unfairly penalize the poor. Asif Musa of PPP supported the proposal, pointing out that a single-unit increase beyond the 200-unit mark could push household bills to Rs10,000, a cost far beyond the reach of low-income families. PPP's Heer Soho highlighted the uncontrolled load shedding in interior Sindh, saying most areas only receive electricity for two hours at a time. Jamil Soomro likened power companies to the East India Company, accusing them of arbitrary behavior. He pointed out that in cities like Larkana, power outages last up to 18 hours, compelling citizens to turn to solar alternatives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh PA to take up resolution against NEPRA
A resolution has been tabled in the Sindh Assembly against the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority's (NEPRA) decision, which will be discussed in detail in the House on Tuesday (today). The resolution has been supported by the Sindh government. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon unequivocally said that the Constitution does not allow electricity distribution companies to impose collective punishment on people. During the Sindh Assembly session on Monday, MQM member Amir Siddiqui tabled the resolution, stating that NEPRA's July 18 decision to collect Rs50 billion from the people of Karachi is unjust. He said that NEPRA has no right to punish an entire area for one person's theft. He said that K-Electric (KE)has failed to collect bills, and this has not stopped electricity theft, yet the punishment is being meted out to the people who pay their bills regularly. Sharjeel said that KE's inability to collect bills is not a new issue and that NEPRA's decision to allow KE to collect Rs50 billion from Karachiites is unjust.
Business Recorder
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Fatemi upset over missed Nepra chief-Korean team meeting
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, has expressed serious displeasure to the concerned authorities including Power Division for failing to arrange a scheduled meeting between the Chairman of NEPRA and a visiting Korean energy delegation despite ongoing efforts by Korea South-East Power Co. Ltd. (KOEN) to secure inclusion of its hydropower projects in the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2025–35. Well-placed sources told Business Recorder that Fatemi, who also oversees foreign investment facilitation, formally conveyed his concerns after the delegation's high-level engagements with various federal institutions, including the Power Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), ended without a crucial interaction with NEPRA's top official. The KOEN delegation emphasized its long-standing commitment to Pakistan's power sector and flagged continued regulatory delays as a key impediment to foreign direct investment. Its two major hydropower projects—229.4 MW Asrit-Kedam and 238 MW Kalam-Asrit—have been in limbo for over three years despite completing all policy and regulatory milestones under the Power Generation Policy 2015. Projects 'ineligible' under IGCEP: PD not ready to lend a helping hand to Korean firms Sources said the delegation raised particular concern about the prolonged non-determination of tariffs, even though NEPRA had admitted the petitions in 2022 and the projects were optimized in the IGCEP 2022–31. The uncertainty, they noted, makes it increasingly difficult to maintain a $1 billion investment commitment in the absence of regulatory clarity. As a show of flexibility, KOEN offered to adjust the commercial operation timelines for both projects in view of the country's current power overcapacity—on the condition that NEPRA fulfills its legal obligation to determine tariffs without further delay, in compliance with orders from the NEPRA Appellate Tribunal. In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, KOEN's Branch Manager Park Changhark reaffirmed the company's desire to invest in Pakistan's clean energy future. He reiterated KOEN's focus on delivering 'reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible' energy solutions aligned with the Government of Pakistan's development vision. KOEN, a state-owned entity, first entered the Pakistani market with the 102 MW Gulpur Hydropower Project, commissioned in 2015 at a cost of $350 million. The project remains a model of successful public-private energy collaboration. Inspired by Gulpur's success, KOEN launched the two larger hydropower initiatives in 2017–18, with a combined estimated investment of $1 billion. According to the company, nearly $20 million has already been spent on detailed feasibility studies, obtaining all required No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and securing generation licenses. Despite this, the projects have remained stalled since June 2022 due to inaction on tariff petitions. 'Our relentless efforts have not yet translated into progress, and we are seeking clarity on the regulatory delays,' said Park. Sources added that Fatemi, in his official capacity advising on foreign investment-related issues, has written to all relevant ministries and agencies involved in the delegation's visit to flag the lack of coordination and missed opportunity. The incident has raised broader concerns about the treatment of credible foreign investors and the consistency of Pakistan's investment facilitation mechanisms. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
19-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
NEPRA likely to cut power tariff by Rs0.65/unit for June
Listen to article Consumers are likely to receive relief in their electricity bills through a fuel charges adjustment for June 2025. This is due to a drop in energy prices used for power generation. NEPRA may reduce the power tariff by Rs0.6541 per kWh under the monthly FCA. It has scheduled a public hearing on July 30, 2025, regarding the proposed FCA for XWDISCOs. According to the CPPA-G, NEPRA has been requested to approve a reduction of Rs0.6541/kWh in fuel charges. The reference fuel cost was Rs8.3341/kWh, but actual costs came in lower due to cheaper fuel inputs. In June 2025, 13,744 GWh of electricity was generated. Hydropower led the mix with a 39.36% share, followed by RLNG (16.12%), local coal (10.99%), imported coal (10.16%), and nuclear (10.06%). The highest-cost power source remained imports from Iran at Rs22.5155/kWh. After transmission losses of 2.97% and adjustments, 13,310 GWh were delivered to DISCOs at an average cost of Rs7.6800/kWh.
