Tag: Electricity bill

  • Power play: Hope for businesses with 8.55 billion rupee reduction in bills

    Power play: Hope for businesses with 8.55 billion rupee reduction in bills

    Businesses and consumers prepare to celebrate as they may soon see a reduction in their utility bills of up to PKR 8.55 billion. This is because the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) has proposed for Discos (electricity distribution companies) to decrease the per unit price of electricity by PKR 0.7.

    The lower cost of electricity will serve to greatly benefit households and industries, which consume 47 per cent and 28 per cent of the electricity used, respectively. Businesses in the cement, steel and textiles sectors stand to benefit in the form of higher profits, as they are large consumers of electricity.

    Textile exporters stand to benefit the most as their products will become more attractive to customers in international markets due to their lower prices. Textile exports already stand at an impressive USD 16.655 billion in 2023, with more to gain if the proposal goes through.

    While discos are to return this amount, this won’t be too tough on most of them as they are owned by the government directly. However, the owners of K-electric will not be too thrilled if the proposal is accepted, as it is privately owned, and it will reduce earnings due to the PKR 0.7 negative adjustment.

    For average households and above, this adjustment will reduce the monthly electricity bill by about PKR 150 to PKR 450, resulting in them having more money available. When this money is available to consumers, it will likely create more sales for the goods and services of local businesses.

    Aside from the negative adjustment charges, the coming of winter will also greatly reduce the average electricity bills, allowing local businesses to cash in on consumers having more money available.

    The reduced electricity bills are likely to help grow local businesses while also improving the overall standard of living for Pakistanis. However, businesses are experiencing uncertainty in decision-making with the constantly changing electricity tariffs and adjustment charges.

    While there is a negative adjust charge right now, many speculate that discos are likely to advocate for higher tariffs in the near future to recuperate any losses.

    Businesses are aware of this potential scheme and are weary of the constant changes in electricity, which is a major input in the production of most goods.

  • ‘Our govt said goodbye to IMF, who approached it later?’ — Nawaz Sharif

    ‘Our govt said goodbye to IMF, who approached it later?’ — Nawaz Sharif

    Former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif claimed during a press conference in Lahore that some judges removed him from office because he refused to accept a salary of 10,000 dirhams from his son, Hassan Nawaz.

    He pointed out that a household’s electricity bill was only 1,600 rupees under his administration, which has now increased to 18,000 rupees. He also noted that the dollar was valued at PKR 104 during his tenure, and that the cost of flour has now surged, affecting the cost of living.

    Sharif mentioned that “Rs 14 per electricity unit will be credited to the August and September bills for consumption ranging from 0 to 500 units. The Punjab government has also introduced solar panel schemes, budgeting Rs 7,000 billion for the middle and lower-middle classes.”

    He added, “I said goodbye to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during my time in office, but who approached the IMF afterward?”

    “The current condition of my country pains me, and we should not forgive those who brought us to this point,” concluded the PML-N supremo

  • Veteran actor Rashid Mehmood’s painful pleas after receiving electricity bill leaves fans in tears

    Veteran actor Rashid Mehmood’s painful pleas after receiving electricity bill leaves fans in tears

    Pakistani actor Rashid Mehmood is distraught after receiving an electricity bill of Rs45,000. He said it makes him feel like he was born in the wrong country.
    A video of Mehmood showing his electricity bill to viewers went viral on social media. He explained that he used 701 units of electricity and got a huge bill.
    Mehmood, who has had four heart attacks, wondered why he survived, asking, “Was I kept alive just to endure this?” He said it’s hard for him to pay such a big bill since he hasn’t found work as an actor in Lahore since a long time.

    He blamed politicians and officials for living in luxury while ordinary people struggled with high inflation and huge electricity bills.
    Mehmood said if he had been dishonest, he could have been rich, but he chose to work honestly, believing Allah would judge him after he died.
    The actor is very sad about the situation in Pakistan and feels he was born in the wrong country, despite dedicating his life to serving it. He is disheartened to get such high bills in return.

    In his distress, Mehmood shared his pain and worry, saying he doesn’t want to live anymore and hopes his family will have a better life after him.
    Despite his difficulties, he remains committed to Pakistan but prays for Allah’s mercy, thinking life could have been easier if he lived abroad.

  • Why has load-shedding suddenly increased in Pakistan?

    Why has load-shedding suddenly increased in Pakistan?

    The electricity crisis has become more severe across the country with the start of the new year.

    Transmission systems were reportedly affected due to a technical fault at Guddu power plant and reduction in hydro power generation. Unannounced power outages in all power distribution companies (DISCOs), including LESCO, has made life difficult for people.

    The transmission system was affected by reduced power generation and heavy fog in the plains.

    Unannounced load shedding continues every hour in various areas of the LESCO region. Due to an increase in shortfall, the duration of load shedding in the city exceeded 12 hours.

    According to an INP from Kushmore, the breaker could not be repaired despite the passage of several hours after fire broke out in the switchyard of Guddu Thermal Power Plant following a technical fault. Sources claim that it may take 15 days to buy a new breaker.

    On the other hand, Powerhouse officials have said the alternate high transmission line also tripped due to heavy fog.

    Electricity supply to different areas of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan remained suspended for more than five hours due to tripping of the alternative high transmission line. According to Guddu Thermal Power House officials, it is difficult to restore power from the alternate high transmission line until the sun comes out.

    Lack of electric supply for more than six hours has put a halt on businesses as well as shopkeepers, factory workers.

  • Relief package being prepared for consumers of 400 units of electricity

    Relief package being prepared for consumers of 400 units of electricity

    A relief plan has been prepared for people consuming up to 400 units of electricity.

    As per the sources in the Ministry of Finance, the relief plan for electricity bills has been prepared on an emergency basis. The government is working on providing relief of 250 billion rupees in electricity bills.

    Additionally, sources have said that if the IMF approves the plan, an agreement can be made for 2 months. The Ministry of Finance will give a written guarantee to pay the bills for August and September in installments.

    Withdrawal from the increase of Rs 7 in the basic tariff is being considered along with installments.

  • Cabinet approves Rs7.91 per unit increase in power tariff

    Cabinet approves Rs7.91 per unit increase in power tariff

    After several postponements, the Federal Cabinet finally decided to approve the Rs7.91 per unit increase in the power tariff.

    The Federal Minister of Power, Khuram Dastgir, and Minister of Petroleum, Musadik Malik, made the announcement during a press conference.

    Dastgir claimed that because Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif wanted to provide relief to the masses. The consent was not given until 45 per cent of the population had been exempted from the tariff increase.

    Musadik Malik, the minister of petroleum, disclosed that by leaving out the protected sector, the homes with consumption of less than 200 units per month, or up to 90 million people, had been left out of the price increase.

    Previously, the government’s proposal for the tariff increase was subject to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) reserve decision, according to Dawn.

    In accordance with the approval, the government will raise the rate by Rs3.5 per unit starting on July 26. A similar price rise will be implemented in August. The cost would then be raised by Rs0.91 per unit in October by the government, bringing the total rise to Rs7.91.

    Malik blamed the previous administration’s lack of frequent fuel adjustments and transmission losses rebasing for the sharp increase in tariffs. Fuel surcharges were raised without notifying the public at the final rebasing, which took place in February 2021.

    The power minister informed the media that the present administration had paid Rs214 billion toward circular debt, bringing the total down from Rs2,476 billion on March 31, 2022, to Rs2,253 billion on June 30, 2022.

  • Govt officials, ministers to pay higher bills after reduction in electricity, gas, telephone quota: report

    Govt officials, ministers to pay higher bills after reduction in electricity, gas, telephone quota: report

    The government is expected to decrease 40 per cent in the petrol quota of the federal cabinet members. According to media reports, it has also been decided to cut the petrol quota of government officials and all ministries.

    It is also being proposed that there should be cuts in the electricity, gas, and telephone bills for cabinet members and government officials.

    The media reports also suggest that there is expected to be a complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles for all ministries.

    Following the massive rise in prices of petroleum products, Sindh and Punjab have imposed a 40 per cent cut on petrol for cabinet members and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 35 per cent.

  • NEPRA hikes power tariff by Rs2.86 per unit

    NEPRA hikes power tariff by Rs2.86 per unit

    The National Electric Electricity Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has increased the power price by Rs2.86 per unit for the month of March 2022 due to Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) and also issued a notification in this regard.

    As per NEPRA’s notice, power consumers of Ex Wapda Distribution Companies (DISCOS) will be charged an increase of Rs2.86 per unit on account of FCA for March 2022 in their electricity bills for May 2022, resulting in an added strain of Rs29 billion on consumers, along with General Sales Tax (GST).

    The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) had urged the administration to raise the electricity tariff by Rs3.16 per unit. Except for lifeline and K-Electric (KE) customers, the hike will apply to all consumer categories.

    Read more: Pakistan starts oil and gas production from Dhok Sultan DS X-1

    Moreover, the authority also announced Rs1.38 per unit increase for K-Electric customers. For the month of February 2022, Karachi Electric (KE) requested an increase of Rs3.45 per unit. The hike will be billed to electricity customers in May 2022, according to the announcement. Except for lifeline customers who use less than 100 units per month, the tariff increase would affect all KE customers.

  • How to save on your electricity bill?

    How to save on your electricity bill?

    The ever-increasing inflation has disturbed our budget to no extent. And considering its the summers, the electricity bill has practically sky-rocketed just like the mercury making it a feat to pay.

    Here are four ways you can save on your electricity bill.

    Save on your appliances

    Electronic devices consume energy even when they are not in use but plugged in. Unplug every electrical device that’s not needed. Moreover, fit LED lights instead of traditional bulbs as they use less energy and last longer than bulbs. Bulbs also produce more heat and make your home warmer.

    Save on your AC

    Set the air-conditioning unit to “Auto” rather than the “On” mode, as this will regulate room temperature more effectively.

    Don’t keep your AC’s temperature lower than 24 degrees celsius. Each degree cooler can represent the equivalent of a nine percent savings on cooling costs.

    Ensure your air-conditioners are well maintained by regularly getting them checked from a good maintenance company. It is important to ensure that air filters are clean, refrigerant levels are maintained and electrical connections are working properly. If they’re not checked everyday issues have the potential to cause bigger problems which will eventually contribute to your expenses.

    Save when
    doing laundry   

    Around 90% of a washing machine’s energy is used to heat the water, so washing your clothes at 30-40C will help keep your electricity bill less. Another tip is don’t start the machine until you have a full load.

    Use less
    energy during peak hours

    According to LESCO and K-electric, these are the peak and off-peak hours so try to use less energy during these hours.

    LESCO Peak and Off-Peak Hours
    K-Electric Peak and Off-Peak Hours