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Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
DISCOs and KE: Nepra approves revised average uniform SoT
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Tuesday approved, in principle, a revised average uniform Schedule of Tariff (SoT) of Rs 31.59/kWh for power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and K-Electric (KE) for FY 2025-26, amid serious concerns on the performance of Discos. The revised new tariff has been set at Rs 31.59/kWh, down from Rs 32.73/kWh, with an average reduction of Rs 1.14/kWh following the incorporation of a Tariff Differential Subsidy (TDS) of Rs 250 billion for the fiscal year 2025–26. Additionally, Nepra announced a reduction in the uniform average tariff from Rs 35.50/kWh to Rs 34/kWh, indicating an overall decrease of Rs 1.50 per unit. Uniform tariff: govt formally moves Nepra The Authority, comprising Member (Tech) Rafique Ahmad Shaikh, Member (KPK), Maqsood Anwar Khan (Development) officiated in the hurriedly convened public hearing. Power Division was represented by Additional Secretary (Power Finance) Mehfooz Bhatti and Naveed Qaiser from PPMC (Power Planning and Monitoring Company) shared information about rebasing of power tariff and responded to the questions raised during the hearing. According to the documents shared with NEPRA, all categories of consumers will get a relief of Rs 1.15/kWh (average Rs 1.14/kWh). However, the representative of Power Division avoided accepting that tariff relief of Rs 7.50/kWh announced by the Prime Minister is over. He argued that the relief in tariff which will end from June 2025, will be replaced with reduction in base tariff by Rs 1.15 per unit, Rs 0.45 per unit through elimination of PTV fee and Rs 0.90 per unit through discontinuation of Electricity Duty by provinces. 'The government's uniform average tariff is Rs 31.59/kWh for FY 2025-26 against Nepra's determined rate of Rs 34 per unit,' Naveed said requesting Nepra to allow the proposed new rebased uniform tariff so that reduced tariff is passed on to the consumers. During the public hearing, representatives from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and K-Electric raised several concerns. Rehan Jawed (FPCCI) demanded that industrial tariff be redesigned in consultation with industry as current industrial tariff mechanism is flawed. He requested Nepra not to approve Government's Motion of uniform tariff in current form as industry opposes it in its entirety. Director Finance KE, Ayaz Jaffer urged Nepra to ensure that KE's tariff is adjusted in line with the latest determinations. The representative of Power Division noted that federal government has challenged Nepra's tariff determinations of KE; and suggested that as per TDS agreement between GoP and KE, the latter has legal permission to file TDS claims as per latest determinations. Nepra's legal counsel, Mian Ibrahim stated that the Power Division has no legal authority to override Nepra's tariff decisions. Meanwhile, Arif Bilwani criticized Nepra for scheduling the hearing on a public holiday, arguing that it restricted public access and transparency, especially for consumers. One of the key concerns discussed was the tariff structure post July 1, 2025, particularly the expiration of the Prime Minister's Rs 7.50/kWh relief package. According to Aamir Sheikh, representing the industrial sector, the net reduction from the new tariff is only Rs 1.15/kWh, whereas the PM's Rs 6/kWh relief ended in June, and an additional Rs 1.55/kWh relief will expire in July. This implies that despite the official reduction, industries may face a net increase of Rs 5/unit, potentially rendering their operations financially unsustainable. Sheikh called on the Prime Minister to allocate funds from the Carbon Levy on furnace oil and the gas levy to continue providing relief in electricity tariffs for the industrial sector. Tanveer Barry representative from KCCI said that he was attending the hearing as a protest because only one day was given for preparation, and suggested that Nepra should give 7 days for comments. He contended that on the one hand Rs 1.15/kWh relief was not enough while on the other hand government imposed Rs 3.23/kWh circular debt surcharge. 'The government had announced that after negotiations with IPPs consumers will get a big relief next fiscal year but no big relief is seen. Nepra should reduce fixed charges. Peak hours and off peak should be abolished so that industry may be run 24 hours at the same tariff,' he continued. Regarding net metering 1MW cap on industrial export should be lifted. This will allow discos to procure cheaper electricity and improve their average cost of supply while promoting clean energy. New industrial connections or load enhancement should be processed within 30 days. Member (Tech) expressed serious concerns on the performance of Discos especially fudging in meter reading to recover inflated bills. He said, inquiries of Discos have been conducted on this issue and currently an inquiry is in process against SEPCO. Dr. Kashif, CEO PITC informed the hearing that the purpose of 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading' App is to get rid of overbilling in Discos. On the issue of solarization, the representative of Power Division, sought Nepra's support in sorting out this issue as other consumers are paying for the cost of net metering consumers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Short on commitment with SNGPL: Power sector uses 28pc less RLNG
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's power sector consumed 28 percent less Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) in June 2025 compared to its committed volumes with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), creating operational and financial challenges for the gas supplier, sources told Business Recorder. According to sources, SNGPL has been persistently flagging the issue to both the Directorate General of Gas (Petroleum Division) and the Power Division. In a recent communication, SNGPL reiterated that the power sector is not consuming RLNG as per the committed demand of 550 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) for June 2025. Actual average consumption has been around 396 MMCFD, leading to excess gas accumulation in the system. Power sector owes Rs165.256bn to SNGPL SNGPL warned that if RLNG offtake is not increased immediately to meet the agreed demand, high system pressures could disrupt re-gasification operations at both LNG terminals. This could delay cargo discharge and result in financial losses due to demurrage charges and take-or-pay obligations. As an alternative, the company may be forced to curtail supplies from local gas fields. SNGPL requested the Directorate General (Gas), Petroleum Division, to intervene urgently and engage the Power Division for immediate RLNG offtake as per commitments, along with recoupment of unutilized volumes. This is necessary to ensure smooth system operations. The National Power Control Centre (NPCC), now operating as the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), is responsible for dispatching power plants based on the Economic Merit Order (EMO). However, in several cases, ISMO has deviated from the EMO due to unforeseen or scheduled outages of various plants. ISMO maintains that partial loading of plants is in line with provisions of their respective Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and that operational decisions are made accordingly. Nevertheless, the NPCC's General Manager often faces criticism during NEPRA public hearings for bypassing cheaper, locally fueled power plants in favor of more expensive RLNG-fired units, especially to meet peak demand in Central Punjab. During these hearings, stakeholders proposed that ISMO publish real-time data on generation mix and associated fuel costs to enhance transparency and support informed decision-making. As per the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) decision of March 19, 2025, the minimum take-or-pay obligation was revised to 50 percent starting January 1, 2025. This adjustment will be applied from May 2025 onwards, as agreed during a meeting of the Power Task Force. In his additional note on Distribution Companies' (Discos) Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) determination for April 2025, Member (Technical) Rafique Ahmad Shaikh highlighted that forced outages at cost-effective plants—such as Uch-I and EngroPowerGenQadirpur—during peak demand periods led to underutilization of economical, indigenous resources. He noted that this has increased reliance on expensive power generation and driven up overall fuel costs. While legally permissible, repeated forced outages negatively affect FCA calculations. To improve accountability, he recommended that the System Operator present a detailed financial impact assessment of these outages during FCA meetings, including a three-year history of forced and scheduled outages for each affected plant to evaluate operational performance. Shaikh also pointed out that Partial Load Adjustment Charges (PLAC) amounted to Rs. 2.92 billion ($10.39 million) in April 2025 alone, bringing the cumulative total for FY 2024–25 to Rs. 32.8 billion ($116.73 million). This rising cost is concerning and requires a detailed review. He urged the development of a mechanism to reduce PLAC through better demand-side management and system optimization. In related developments, Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has diverted six additional LNG cargoes—originally scheduled for delivery from Italian supplier ENI in July through December—to the international spot market. These diversions come under a 15-year agreement stipulating one cargo per month. Pakistan has also deferred the delivery of five LNG cargoes from Qatar — originally scheduled for 2025 —to 2026, citing reduced domestic demand. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
March 2025: Nepra allows Rs3 negative adjustment for KE consumers
ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has allowed negative adjustment of Rs 3 per unit for KE consumers for March 2025 and Rs 0.93 per unit positive adjustment for Discos consumers for April 2025 under monthly Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) mechanism. In this regard, NEPRA has issued separate notifications, according to which KE's negative adjustment and Discos positive adjustment will be effective in bills of June 2025. For Discos, NEPRA conducted a public hearing on May 29, 2025 for Discos and on on May 22, 2025 for K-Electric which was attended by representatives of industry and media. March FCA: KE seeks Rs5.02 interim negative adjustment According to determinations of Discos, Amir Sheikh, a commentator, submitted that this positive FCA has lowered the previously announced benefit of around Rs.7.7/kWh adversely impacting cost projections for many industrial consumers. He also questioned the dispatch of RLNG-based power plants despite the purported availability of local natural gas and pointed out that alternative suppliers, such as Mari Petroleum, may offer more cost-effective solutions. KE during the hearing also claimed an amount ofRs.15.2 billion, on account of partial load, open cycle and degradation curves along with startup cost for the period from July 2023 to March 2025. KE also submitted that BQPS-III and KCCP heat rate adjustment for previous MYT amounting to Rs.0.6 billion and Rs.0.2 billion are also pending. KE had sought negative adjustment of Rs 5.02 per unit for April 2025 to refund Rs 6.792 billion to its consumers. However, regarding the amount of Rs.15.2 billion on account of partial load, open cycle and degradation curves along with startup cost for the period from July 2023 to March 2025, the Authority has already provisionally retained an amount of Rs. 12.45 billion, from monthly FCAs from Nov. 2024 to Feb. 2025, in order not to over burden the consumers at a later stage for such pending costs. Thus, as of March 2025, an amount of Rs.2.74 billion is pending on account of partial load, open cycle and degradation curves along with startup cost, as per the claims of K-Electric. On the same analogy of not to over burden the consumers at a later stage and also to ensure timely recovery of prudent costs, the Authority has decided to provisionally withhold an amount of Rs. 2.74 billion from the worked out negative FCA of Rs. 5.0200/kWh (negative Rs. 6.79 billion) for the month of March 2025. NEPRA has allowed negative adjustment of Rs 2.99 per unit which will provide a relief of Rs 4 billion to the consumers of Karachi. Member (Tech) Rafique Ahmad Shaikh, has written additional notes on both the determinations in which he raised different issues. In his note on Discos FCA determination he said that the prolonged forced outage of Guddu's 747 MW Steam Turbine (Unit 16) has necessitated continued operation in open-cycle mode, resulting in additional costs of approximately Rs. 670 million (USD 2.38 million) for the month of April 2025 alone. Cumulatively, the financial losses attributed to this outage have reached approximately Rs. 113 billion (USD 402.14 million) since its outage from July 2022. Given the significance of the issue, the CEO of GENCO-II should be required to present a detailed update on the rehabilitation plan and the progress made on restoring Steam Turbine Unit 16 during each Monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Nepra's decisions on KE tariffs: Power Div. flags potential consumers harm, urges revision
ISLAMABAD: The Power Division on Wednesday announced plans to file reviews of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority's recent decisions regarding K-Electric tariffs, warning that parts of the rulings could have negative consequences for consumers if not revised. Power Minister Sardar Awais Khan Leghari took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concerns about Nepra's decisions announced during the last few days that have drawn strong reactions from the ministry. The minister's remarks came at a time when Nepra, which by law is the power sector regulator, feels helpless in implementing its directions issued to Power Division and its affiliated organizations. NEPRA approves K-Electric's MYT for supply segment Last month, during a public hearing on IEECO's Multi-Year Tariff petition , Member (Tech) Rafique Ahmad Shaikh, asked Power Division to get rid of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), for poor performance. Similar positions were seen in other Discos and NTDC, which irritated the Authority during public hearings. 'The Ministry has serious concerns regarding Nepra's multiple determinations related to K-Electric's licenses for generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. These decisions also impact the investment plan for the upcoming multi-year tariff period,' said the Power Minister. Leghari emphasized that the rulings have significant long-term implications for consumer tariffs and the Federal Government's subsidy framework under the uniform tariff regime. 'The ministry is preparing to seek a review of the recent determinations concerning transmission, distribution, and supply. Additionally, the reconsideration of an earlier generation tariff decision — submitted back in December 2024—still awaits Nepra's attention. This delay poses serious financial risks for the power sector and its associated subsidies,' he added. The minister further cautioned that unresolved issues within Nepra's rulings could negatively affect consumers and the broader regulatory environment, potentially deterring private sector investment in the distribution sector. According to a power sector expert, Nepra's annual recovery loss allowance of Rs 40 billion granted to K-Electric—totaling over Rs 320 billion across seven years. Another insider sarcastically stated that 'Minister seems super happy on Nepra's determinations'. Another expert stated that real challenge is rampant power theft and non-recovery of electricity bills in the country. On the governance side, however, the proposed bill to classify electricity theft as a criminal offense was recently rejected by lawmakers. As a result, Discos are left with no option but to recover their legitimate business costs from paying consumers — a practice observed across the country. Power Division wants to review Nepra's recent tariff determinations for K-Electric, consumers across Pakistan, including those in Karachi, already burdened with the PHL surcharge due to the continued non-recovery of dues from other government-owned Discos. The Nepra's determinations on KE Multi-Year Tariff petitions are actually removing such disparities currently present in Pakistan's power sector. Also, unlike KE previous multiyear tariff for 2017-23, there is a periodic review mechanism built in the tariff for the period 2023-30. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Nepra's decisions on KE tariffs: PD flags potential consumers harm, urges revision
ISLAMABAD: The Power Division on Wednesday announced plans to file reviews of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority's recent decisions regarding K-Electric tariffs, warning that parts of the rulings could have negative consequences for consumers if not revised. Power Minister Sardar Awais Khan Leghari took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concerns about Nepra's decisions announced during the last few days that have drawn strong reactions from the ministry. The minister's remarks came at a time when Nepra, which by law is the power sector regulator, feels helpless in implementing its directions issued to Power Division and its affiliated organizations. NEPRA approves K-Electric's MYT for supply segment Last month, during a public hearing on IEECO's Multi-Year Tariff petition , Member (Tech) Rafique Ahmad Shaikh, asked Power Division to get rid of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), for poor performance. Similar positions were seen in other Discos and NTDC, which irritated the Authority during public hearings. 'The Ministry has serious concerns regarding Nepra's multiple determinations related to K-Electric's licenses for generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. These decisions also impact the investment plan for the upcoming multi-year tariff period,' said the Power Minister. Leghari emphasized that the rulings have significant long-term implications for consumer tariffs and the Federal Government's subsidy framework under the uniform tariff regime. 'The ministry is preparing to seek a review of the recent determinations concerning transmission, distribution, and supply. Additionally, the reconsideration of an earlier generation tariff decision — submitted back in December 2024—still awaits Nepra's attention. This delay poses serious financial risks for the power sector and its associated subsidies,' he added. The minister further cautioned that unresolved issues within Nepra's rulings could negatively affect consumers and the broader regulatory environment, potentially deterring private sector investment in the distribution sector. According to a power sector expert, Nepra's annual recovery loss allowance of Rs 40 billion granted to K-Electric—totaling over Rs 320 billion across seven years. Another insider sarcastically stated that 'Minister seems super happy on Nepra's determinations'. Another expert stated that real challenge is rampant power theft and non-recovery of electricity bills in the country. On the governance side, however, the proposed bill to classify electricity theft as a criminal offense was recently rejected by lawmakers. As a result, Discos are left with no option but to recover their legitimate business costs from paying consumers — a practice observed across the country. Power Division wants to review Nepra's recent tariff determinations for K-Electric, consumers across Pakistan, including those in Karachi, already burdened with the PHL surcharge due to the continued non-recovery of dues from other government-owned Discos. The Nepra's determinations on KE Multi-Year Tariff petitions are actually removing such disparities currently present in Pakistan's power sector. Also, unlike KE previous multiyear tariff for 2017-23, there is a periodic review mechanism built in the tariff for the period 2023-30. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
