ISLAMABAD – In much-needed relief for electricity consumers in Karachi, the power tariff is likely to be reduced by Rs4.69 per unit for K-Electric users. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has scheduled a hearing on June 19 to review K-Electric’s petition seeking a tariff cut under the monthly fuel adjustment formula.
If NEPRA approves the proposal, the reduction would provide financial relief of around Rs7.17 billion to consumers in Karachi. The move comes as a significant development for households and businesses struggling with high energy bills and unannounced load-shedding in sweltering summer conditions.
The petition follows rising public pressure over inflated electricity bills and persistent outages in Pakistan’s largest city.
Earlier Tariff Reduction Already Approved for June Bills
This is not the first tariff cut for K-Electric consumers this month. On June 5, NEPRA had already notified a reduction of Rs2.99 per unit for March’s fuel cost adjustment. This adjustment will be reflected in the June billing cycle.
According to NEPRA’s official notification, the reduction was made after reviewing fuel charges incurred in March, offering slight relief to residents who have faced continuous hikes in energy prices over the past year.
With the proposed additional Rs4.69 reduction under review, Karachiites could see a cumulative drop of over Rs7 per unit in their monthly bills if both adjustments are implemented.
Load-Shedding and High Bills Draw Public Outcry
Despite these tariff reductions, Karachi continues to experience severe unannounced power cuts, especially during peak summer hours. The power crisis has led to widespread frustration, prompting protests from citizens and criticism from political leaders.
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K-Electric’s Chief Executive Officer Moonis Alvi acknowledged the burden of high electricity bills but shifted responsibility toward government policy decisions.
“The electricity cost structure is driven by government tariffs and fuel pricing. K-Electric has limited control over these components,” Alvi stated during the interview. He emphasized that K-Electric had submitted the tariff reduction request in line with NEPRA’s regulations, in an effort to pass on fuel cost savings to consumers.
While K-Electric’s management blames broader policy frameworks, Karachi’s residents continue to endure the dual blow of power outages and expensive electricity, with many demanding structural reforms and greater accountability.
Hope for Relief Amid Rising Summer Heat
With temperatures soaring across Sindh and Karachi facing extended load-shedding, the upcoming NEPRA hearing on June 19 is being closely watched. If the Rs4.69 per unit reduction is approved, it would mark one of the largest fuel adjustment cuts in recent months.
The decision could offer temporary relief, but long-term challenges remain. Karachi’s energy crisis continues to expose systemic weaknesses in the country’s power distribution network and the urgent need for reforms to ensure reliable, affordable electricity for all.
NEPRA is expected to issue its final decision following the hearing next week.
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