FPCCI Opposes Additional Rs268 Billion Burden on Consumers Through Power Tariffs

The FPCCI opposes power tariff adjustment and asks the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to reject Rs268 billion in disputed prior-year adjustments sought by electricity distribution companies.

Ten former WAPDA distribution companies have requested Rs2.64 trillion in revenue for calendar year 2027 through adjustments to their multiyear tariffs.

FPCCI’s Energy Advisory Committee examined the petitions, financial statements and supporting records. The federation said some claims involved amounts NEPRA had previously rejected or third parties had disputed. Others used inconsistent calculations or lacked enough detail for verification.

Claims Reach Back Up to 19 Years

Islamabad Electric’s Rs525 billion request includes Rs158 billion in prior-year adjustments, the largest such claim. FPCCI said 70% of those adjustments involved disputed amounts or noncash items.

Faisalabad Electric sought Rs535 billion, including Rs57 billion in adjustments. FPCCI challenged Rs26 billion covering 11-year-old post-retirement benefits and supplementary charges NEPRA had previously rejected.

Lahore Electric requested Rs759 billion, including about Rs33 billion in adjustments. FPCCI opposed Rs27 billion for lack of verification. Peshawar Electric sought Rs233 billion, including Rs35 billion in adjustments. The federation disputed Rs33 billion linked to seven-year-old input tax claims.

Gujranwala Electric’s Rs70.4 billion request includes Rs17 billion in adjustments linked to 19-year-old Azad Jammu and Kashmir receivables. Sukkur Electric requested Rs68 billion, including Rs36 billion in adjustments.

FPCCI Seeks Answers Before Hearings

The federation asked NEPRA to include its objections in each company’s tariff proceedings, require written replies before hearings and demand evidence for every claim instead of accepting lump-sum requests. FPCCI also sought participation for trade and industry representatives.

NEPRA has scheduled public hearings for the 10 companies from October 13 to 15 in Islamabad and online.