The citizens of Karachi are bracing for higher electricity bills as the government announces significant price hikes for the coming months. According to a recent notification, the cost of electricity in Karachi has increased by 10 rupees and one paisa per unit due to adjustments in the monthly fuel charges.
Monthly Fuel Adjustments
- June: An additional charge of 2 rupees and 68 paisa per unit.
- July: An additional charge of 3 rupees and 11 paisa per unit.
- August: An additional charge of 3 rupees and 22 paisa per unit.
- September: An additional charge of 1 rupee per unit.
However, these surcharges will not be applied to K Electric’s Lifeline consumers and Electric Vehicle charging stations, as stated in the Nepra notification.
Impact on Households
For an average household, these increases could significantly raise monthly electricity expenses. For example, if a household consumes 500 units in June, the added cost will be:
Additional Cost=500×2.68=1,340 rupees
This added burden comes at a time when Karachi is facing a severe electricity crisis, with frequent load shedding affecting various parts of the city. Many residents are already struggling with inconsistent power supply, and the price hike adds another layer of hardship.
Government and K Electric’s Role
The government and K Electric have come under scrutiny as they fail to ensure a stable electricity supply. With the current electricity crisis in Karachi, these price increases are expected to exacerbate the challenges faced by the city’s residents.
As Karachiites prepare for higher electricity bills starting in June, it is crucial for the authorities to address the underlying issues of power supply and consider measures to alleviate the financial strain on the city’s residents. For now, consumers will need to brace for the impact on their wallets as these new charges take effect.