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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Nine percent hike in power tariff expected next month

By Sajid Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: Electricity prices could be increased by as much as 9 percent next month after the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) asked the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to raise hydel electricity prices.

WAPDA told the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance on Monday that it has asked NEPRA to raise hydel electricity prices by 2 percent.

However, official sources say the government had earlier agreed with international monetary institutions to increase electricity prices by 6 to 7% with effect from April 1, 2010.

This will increase the power tariff by a total of 9% in July 2010, the official said.

WAPDA Finance Member Chaudhry Abdul Qadir told senators that the authority has asked NEPRA for determination of hydroelectric tariff for 2009-10 and 2010-11 and requested an increase in hydel tariff from Rs 1.03 per unit to Rs 1.37 per unit.

NEPRA is expected to give its determination on hydroelectric tariff for WAPDA by June 30, 2010.

Qadir also submitted a written reply on behalf of WAPDA regarding a proposal that the payment of hydel profits to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be capped.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

 

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