K-Electric to Refund Additional Recoveries to Power Consumers!

In a significant development, Karachi’s power utility, K-Electric (KE), has submitted a request to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to refund additional recoveries made from its consumers. This decision comes after KE admitted to collecting billions of rupees in extra charges from electricity users in Karachi, a move that could bring substantial financial relief to residents of the city.

According to the petition submitted by KE, power consumers in Karachi are expected to receive a relief of Rs. 4.98 per unit as part of the refund. NEPRA has already scheduled a hearing on this matter for January 15, where the exact amount to be refunded will be determined. The regulatory authority will finalize the total amount of additional recoveries that KE will return to its consumers.

This decision comes after a series of power tariff adjustments that placed a financial burden on KE consumers. In November, NEPRA approved an increase of 40 paisa per unit in power tariffs for KE users. This hike was part of the monthly adjustment for August 2024, and the additional charges are being reflected in the January 2025 electricity bills.

Earlier, KE consumers paid an extra Rs 3.17 per unit in their November bills as part of the June adjustment. Similarly, in December, consumers were charged an additional Rs 3.03 per unit, which was attributed to the adjustment for July 2024. K-Electric had initially requested a 51 paisa per unit increase for the August adjustment, but NEPRA approved a slightly lower hike of 40 paisa per unit.

The petition filed by KE for refunding the additional recoveries is a significant step towards addressing consumer concerns. It reflects the utility company’s acknowledgment of the overcharging issue and its willingness to take corrective measures. If approved, the refund will bring much-needed relief to Karachi residents who have been facing the burden of high electricity costs in recent months.

This development also underscores the role of NEPRA in regulating the power sector and ensuring fairness for consumers. As Karachi’s power consumers await the January 15 hearing, there is hope that the decision will mark a positive change in the city’s electricity billing practices, offering financial relief and restoring trust in the system.