Relief Expected in KE Bills for November 2024: Possible Rs. 0.7057 per Unit Reduction
Karachi’s electricity consumers, particularly those under K-Electric (KE), may see a slight relief in their November 2024 electricity bills. Due to overcharges in September, there is a proposed reduction of Rs. 0.7057 per unit, which could bring some financial relief to KE customers.
Proposed Reduction for KE Bills in November 2024
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has filed a request with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to finalize the September Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) and issue a rebate for consumers. This adjustment would reduce the per-unit rate of electricity, helping mitigate the impact of recent bill surges. NEPRA has scheduled a public hearing on October 30, 2024, to determine the legitimacy of this reduction and whether electricity distribution followed the economic merit order.
If the proposal is approved, this rebate will be reflected in November’s bills for all KE consumers except the following categories:
- Lifeline consumers
- Residential consumers using up to 300 units
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Prepaid electricity consumers
- Agricultural consumers
Consistent FCA Reductions Since July 2024
This anticipated reduction in the Fuel Cost Adjustment marks the third consecutive month of FCA decreases after a continuous increase over 18 months. NEPRA’s recent decisions included a reduction in FCA charges for September bills, where KE consumers benefited from a Rs. 0.369 per unit reduction. Previously, FCA charges reached a high of Rs. 7.05 per unit in January 2024.
Breakdown of September Fuel Charges for KE
According to the CPPA’s filing, the reference fuel charges for September 2024 were Rs. 9.8006 per unit, while the actual cost stood at Rs. 9.0949 per unit. This difference justifies a rebate of Rs. 0.7057 per unit, potentially easing KE bills for consumers.
How KE Consumers Can Benefit from the FCA Adjustment
If approved, KE consumers can expect to see this reduction reflected in their November bills, providing some relief amid rising living costs. NEPRA’s upcoming decision could pave the way for more affordable energy prices, benefiting a significant number of KE consumers in Karachi.