Government Lowers Electricity Tariffs for Eid Celebrations

The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, revealed that the government is offering a special gift to consumers by lowering electricity tariffs in celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. This initiative is part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's efforts to combat inflation and provide relief to the public.

According to Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari, electricity prices for April have decreased significantly compared to the previous month. The per unit price of electricity has dropped by Rs3.83, attributed to quarterly and fuel price adjustments in dollar terms. The fuel price adjustment has been reduced to Rs4.92 from Rs7.6, while the quarterly adjustment now stands at Rs2.75 from Rs4.43, resulting in a decrease of Rs1.68 in electricity bills.

Leghari explained that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) sets a reference tariff for 12 months at the beginning of each year and adjusts fuel prices monthly. Any increase in fuel costs for electricity generation must be passed on to consumers to prevent losses to the national exchequer.

Recently, Nepra permitted ex-Wapda power distribution companies to collect an additional Rs4.921 per unit from consumers in their April 2024 bills. This adjustment will not apply to electric vehicle charging stations and lifeline consumers. The increase in power prices is a necessary measure to cover the actual cost of power generation, especially from expensive imported fuel.

The government's decision to reduce electricity tariffs and ensure fair pricing reflects its commitment to providing economic relief to the public. By implementing strategic adjustments and maintaining transparency in tariff calculations, the authorities aim to stabilize energy costs and support consumers during festive seasons and beyond.