ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a nominal negative fuel charges adjustment (FCA) of Rs0.0102 per unit for March 2026, offering slight relief to electricity consumers nationwide, including those served by K-Electric.
The decision follows a public hearing held on April 28, where Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) had initially requested a positive adjustment of Rs0.2660 per unit. After detailed scrutiny, however, the Authority revised the figure downward, approving a marginal negative adjustment instead.
Separate FCAs were calculated for each of the WAPDA distribution companies (DISCOs), factoring in electricity procured from CPPA-G, bilateral arrangements including SPPs and CPPs, as well as net metering contributions within each utility’s energy mix.
The revised FCA will apply to all consumer categories of K-Electric and DISCOs, except lifeline users, electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), and prepaid consumers who have opted for prepaid tariffs.
During the proceedings, CPPA-G highlighted a 6.38% increase in power generation for March compared to reference tariff assumptions, along with a detailed breakdown of the generation mix.
On K-Electric’s reliance on the national grid, CPPA-G noted that without grid support, tariffs could have surged by Rs3.81 per unit—comprising Rs1.09 per kWh due to FCA and Rs2.72 per kWh from quarterly capacity charges.
Stakeholders also pointed to revised fuel cost assumptions under the 2026 tariff rebasing, aligning more closely with actual hydrology and generation patterns. NEPRA acknowledged proposals to pass on anticipated quarterly negative adjustments in the coming months to cushion consumers against possible future increases.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
