With summer just around the corner, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is set to impose an additional burden on electricity consumers through higher fixed charges.
According to media reports, NEPRA has approved the imposition of fixed charges on domestic electricity consumers following a request from the Power Division.
According to the decision, fixed charges will now apply to both protected and non-protected consumers. Previously, fixed charges were only applicable to non-protected consumers consuming more than 300 units per month.
Under the new structure, protected consumers using up to 100 units per month will pay a fixed charge of Rs 200. Meanwhile, protected domestic consumers consuming up to 200 units per month will be charged Rs 300 as fixed charges.
For non-protected consumers, those using up to 100 units per month will face a fixed charge of Rs 275. Consumers using up to 200 units will pay Rs 300 per month, while those consuming up to 300 units will be charged Rs 350.
In addition, non-protected consumers using between 301 and 400 units per month will pay Rs 400 in fixed charges. Those consuming between 401 and 500 units will be charged Rs 500.
The fixed charge for consumers using up to 600 units per month has been increased by Rs 75 to Rs 675. However, for consumers using up to 700 units monthly, the fixed charge has been reduced by Rs 125 to Rs 675.
The decision is expected to impact a large number of domestic electricity consumers across the country, adding to the financial burden amid rising energy costs.
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