
K-Electric seeks Rs4.95/unit tariff cut
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has scheduled a public hearing on February 26 to consider KE's request for a negative fuel charges adjustment (FCA), according to industry sources.
According to KE's petition, the adjustment is based on the interim reference tariff of March 2023, resulting in a total reduction of Rs4.94 billion in fuel costs.
In addition to the FCA adjustment, KE has requested NEPRA to consider an additional adjustment of Rs5 billion for fuel costs incurred from July to December 2024.
The power utility argues that the amount is pending due to partial load, open cycle, degradation curves and startup costs. It has urged the authority to allow the adjustment to prevent a future burden on consumers.
As per details, NEPRA has framed three key questions for deliberation during the hearing, including whether the requested FCA is justified and whether KE has followed the merit order while giving dispatch to its power plants as well as power purchases from external sources.
It will further deliberate over whether the request of KE to consider adjustment of accumulated actualisation of fuel cost on account of partial load, open cycle and degradation curves along with startup cost from July to December 2024, from the negative fuel cost variation is justified.

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


Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
IT minister hails Agri Stack as transformative platform
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja hailed the Agri Stack as a transformative platform for Pakistan's agriculture sector during her visit to the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) facility. Developed by LIMS as a complete digital ecosystem and e-commerce platform under the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT), Agri Stack aims to modernise agriculture through real-time advisory, land intelligence, and AI-driven solutions. Accompanied by the director general of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the minister reviewed the live demonstration of Agri Stack, which currently serves over two million farmers. The system has already contributed to saving Rs5 billion through automated pest attack mitigation—most notably during the whitefly outbreak in 2023. DG LIMS Maj Gen Muhammad Ayub Ahsan received the delegation, while Dr Col Waqar briefed attendees on the role of LIMS in enhancing food security and transforming land management. Discussions also covered a suite of digital tools including the Pak Sar Zameen Card, a GIS/remote-sensing-based smart card enabling farmers to access land records, subsidies, and agri-advisories. The visit also spotlighted broader initiatives such as promoting tech-based job creation for youth in agriculture, smartphone distribution, improved digital connectivity, and the use of AI for crop yield prediction. A proposal to form a steering group to coordinate and support LIMS in scaling these innovations was tabled during the meeting. Minister Shaza emphasised that LIMS must be fully accessible via smart phones, enabling real-time access to land records and location tracking for users across Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of digital integration in land governance to boost transparency and ease of access. The DG SIFC noted that LIMS reflects the Whole-of-Government approach, jointly driven by the SIFC and Pakistan's Armed Forces, and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to a tech-enabled and sustainable future for the country's agricultural and environmental landscape. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt criticised for water neglect
Listen to article Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah criticised the federal government on Friday for releasing only Rs3 billion this year out of the Rs78 billion it had committed for the K-IV water project for Karachi. He said the Sindh government had funded all associated components of the project itself. Speaking at the inauguration of the 20th 'My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony' Exhibition at Expo Center, on Friday Shah said four major K-IV sub-projects were ongoing. A Rs50 billion expansion of water feeders would be completed this year. A separate Rs170 billion project is bringing water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi, with a power plant being installed by STDC to support two pumping stations. The chief minister announced that a new 100 MGD Hub Canal had been completed and would be inaugurated on August 14, while the old canal would be restored to the same capacity. By year-end, Karachi is expected to receive 200 MGD water from Hub Dam. He also highlighted the Dumlottee project for South Karachi and said 150 MGD additional water would be supplied to the city this year. Shah urged the federal government to increase Karachi's water allocation from Hub Dam, especially as availability had improved due to better climatic conditions. Referring to the 2015–16 World Bank gap analysis, he said Karachi needed Rs3 trillion to meet modern urban standards. Large-scale infrastructure, he stressed, could not be handled by the provincial government alone and required federal support. He criticised the Centre for not convening the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for 18 months. He pointed out that although Sindh produces 70% of Pakistan's gas, it is denied its constitutional share. He vowed to raise the issue in the next CCI meeting and reminded that the constitution requires CCI to meet every three months. Shah called on citizens to fulfil legal duties, such as paying taxes and registering vehicles, and not blame law enforcement for governance issues. He reassured the business community of the Sindh government's full support. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala thanked the provincial government for supporting KCCI and urged the CM to expedite K-IV to resolve water shortages in Karachi's industrial areas. He highlighted the exhibition's global recognition and urged foreign diplomats to promote Karachi's positive image abroad. KCCI President Jawed Bilwani appreciated the 'Marka-e-Haq' theme for Independence Day and recalled the 2004 origins of the exhibition. He urged the Sindh government to establish a world-class Expo Center and upgrade Karachi's only existing one. Bilwani criticised high water tariffs and the incomplete K-IV project. He expressed concern over persistent gas shortages and deteriorating infrastructure. He called for road repairs, better drainage, encroachment removal, improved traffic, street crime control, and accelerated Safe City Project implementation.


Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
K-IV project: CM slams Centre for allocating only Rs3bn this year
KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, while emphasising the urgent need to address Karachi's water challenges, criticised the federal government for allocating only Rs 3 billion this year out of the Rs 78 billion it had committed for K-IV project. In contrast, he said, the Sindh government has provided complete funding for all associated components of the important K-IV project. 'Four major sub-projects under K-IV are currently underway and Rs 50 billion project to expand the capacity of the water feeders will be completed this year. Another Rs 170 billion initiative is bringing water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi, and a power plant is being installed via STDC to support two major pumping stations,' he added while inaugurating the 20th 'My Karachi-Oasis of Harmony' International Exhibition at the Expo Center Karachi on Friday. The chief minister announced that the Sindh government has completed the construction of a new 100 MGD Hub Canal which will be inaugurated on August 14. The old Hub Canal will also be restored and upgraded to 100 MGD capacity. By the end of this year, Karachi is expected to start receiving 200 MGD water from Hub Dam. He also highlighted the importance of the Dumlottee water supply project for southern Karachi and anticipated that 150 MGD additional water will be supplied to the city during the current year. He demanded that the federal government must increase Karachi's water allocation from Hub Dam, especially as water availability has improved due to climatic conditions. The chief minister, while warmly congratulating the Karachi Chamber on successfully organising the landmark 20th edition of the exhibition, stated that it has become a true symbol of Karachi's entrepreneurial energy, resilience, and cultural vibrancy. Announcing the commencement of Independence Day celebrations across Sindh on Friday (Aug 01) which will continue until August 14 under the theme 'Maarka-e-Haq,' he said that the theme reflects Pakistan's ongoing struggle for sovereignty, justice, and unity. Referring to the regional tensions, he stated that the people of Pakistan have proven their unity and resolve by giving a robust response to India's May 2025 conspiracy. Highlighting development issues, the chief minister referenced the 2015–16 World Bank gap analysis, which revealed that Karachi required Rs 3 trillion in investment to meet the standards of a modern metropolitan city. He emphasised that such large-scale projects cannot be undertaken by the provincial government alone and require active participation from the federal government. Addressing the issue of natural gas, the chief minister lamented that although Sindh produced 70 percent of Pakistan's gas, it does not receive its constitutional share. He criticised the federal government for not convening the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting for the past one and a half years and vowed to raise Sindh's case forcefully in the next session. He reminded that according to the Constitution, the CCI must meet every three months. He also called on citizens to fulfill their legal responsibilities, particularly by registering their vehicles and paying taxes, instead of blaming law enforcement agencies for lapses. He reassured the business community that the Sindh government stands shoulder to shoulder with them and with the Karachi Chamber. Murad Ali Shah strongly asserted that any hostile intentions toward Pakistan would be met with a firm response. 'Pakistan enjoys robust trade relations globally and every country is keen to do business with Pakistan,' he added. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, in his remarks, paid glowing tribute to Sindh government for extending full support and cooperation to KCCI in dealing with numerous issues being faced by the business community in Karachi. He stressed that the business community needs more support in dealing with numerous issues which have been pending since long, particularly the gas shortages. He also sought CM's help in resolving the water shortages being faced by the industries of Karachi by expediting development work of K-IV project that must be completed at the earliest possible time. Highlighting the purpose and salient features of My Karachi Exhibition, he appreciated Foreign Diplomats for their participation in 20th My Karachi Exhibition which was being staged every year to portray the positive image of Karachi and this exhibition is not only recognized in Pakistan but all over the world. 'This exhibition successfully showcases what is being produced in Pakistan and how excellently the manufacturing and trading sectors are performing,' he added while requesting the diplomats to convey a positive message about Karachi in their reports to respective countries. President KCCI Jawed Bilwani, while delivering the welcome address, expressed deep appreciation to the Sindh Government for choosing 'Marka-e-Haq' as this year's theme for Independence Day celebrations, calling it a meaningful and inspiring tribute to the truth of the Pakistan Movement and the valiant role of Pakistan's armed forces in defending the nation against aggression. Highlighting the origin and journey of the 'My Karachi' Exhibition, President Bilwani recalled that the event was initiated in 2004 under the dynamic leadership of the late Siraj Kassim Teli, founder Chairman BMG, at a time when Karachi was being negatively portrayed globally. 'The exhibition was envisioned to show the world that Karachi is not only a peaceful city but also the economic lifeline of Pakistan,' he said. He said, 'Despite repeated demands, Karachi's only Expo Center has yet to be upgraded to international standards. We urge the Sindh government to also establish a separate world-class Expo Centre in Karachi at the provincial level to help showcase Sindh's products globally.' He further highlighted the severe shortage of water in Karachi, pointing out that while the city's daily demand exceeds 1,200 MGD, supply remains limited to 550–650 MGD. 'Over two decades have passed listening to promises about the K-IV water project, yet it remains incomplete. On top of that, Karachiites are subjected to the highest water tariffs in the country. Is this the reward for contributing the most in taxes?' he questioned. President Bilwani also raised serious concerns over gas shortages, despite Sindh producing over 70% of Pakistan's natural gas. He urged the Sindh government to actively pursue the province's constitutional right to a fair share of gas supply from the federal government. Touching upon Karachi's deteriorating infrastructure, he emphasized the urgent need for rehabilitation of roads, drainage systems, removal of encroachments, and improved traffic management. He also called for expedited work on delayed development projects and a robust strategy to tackle rising street crime through enhanced policing, accelerated implementation of the Safe City Project, and upgraded surveillance systems. Sindh Minister for Industries and Production Ikramullah Khan Dharejo, Sindh Minister for Local Governments Saeed Ghani, Additional IGP Jawed Alam Odho, Vice Chairman BMG, Vice Chairman BMG Mian Abrar Ahmed, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil, Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition Muhammad Idrees, diplomats from friendly countries, KCCI Managing Committee Members and others distinguished figures were also present on the occasion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025