Consumers in Karachi face another blow as electricity prices surge, putting a strain on household budgets as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved an increase of Rs 1.71 per unit in the fuel adjustment for K-Electric consumers, further escalating concerns about rising utility costs.
This comes on top of the Rs 4.45 per unit increase implemented in October and November 2023, leaving residents fuming at the seemingly endless cost escalation.
Upon the Federation's appeal, Nepra sanctioned the hike, citing adjustments for specific quarters of the fiscal year 2023. The revised rates will come into effect from January 1, with additional charges scheduled for the months of April, May, and June 2023, amounting to 46 paise per unit from January to March.
Moreover, a hike of Rs 1.24 per unit for electricity consumed in July, August, and September 2023 will also be implemented starting January 1.
This price increase follows the prior adjustment in the first quarter of the last fiscal year, where K-Electric consumers experienced a surge of Rs 4.45 per unit. Additional charges were imposed during October and November 2023, significantly impacting consumer bills. Additionally, industrial customers of K-Electric are slated to face an extra charge of Rs 3 per unit over a two-month period.
The ongoing surge in electricity rates poses a challenge for consumers in Karachi, raising concerns about the affordability of essential utilities, especially for households already facing economic pressures.
