The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is poised to grant final approval for a hike in power tariffs by Rs 1.25 per unit, specifically targeting domestic consumers already facing financial difficulties.
The decision, soon to be officially communicated to the federal government in written form, is anticipated to impose an additional financial burden of Rs 23 billion on consumers.
This decision follows a hearing conducted by NEPRA on the matter of fuel adjustment in electricity prices, specifically focusing on the quarterly adjustment spanning from July to September. While the detailed decision is pending official issuance, NEPRA officials have confirmed the endorsement of a Rs 1.25 per unit increase for electricity consumers nationwide.
During the hearing, NEPRA officials disclosed that a total increase request exceeding Rs 22.56 billion had been submitted. They emphasized a decrease in electricity purchases by Distribution Companies (DISCOs) during the months of July, August, and September.
Over the three-month period, the total electricity purchase saw a decline of 9.5%, with DISCOs acquiring 38 billion units instead of the anticipated 42 billion.
Despite the potential for a negative adjustment, NEPRA officials highlighted that the increase in electricity bills had already been reflected in consumers’ payments across all DISCOs. Concerns were raised regarding billing accuracy, with reports indicating 10 to 12 cases of over-billing identified in each DISCO.
Denmark Debates Enforcing Ban On Desecrating The Holy Quran
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Denmark’s parliament will deliberate a bill to criminalize burnings of the Holy Quran, prompted by recent desecrations causing outrage in Muslim nations. The government, citing national security concerns, considers the tensions a threat.
The proposed legislation seeks to make it a criminal offense to treat a text with strong religious significance for a community inappropriately, with potential offenders facing up to two years in prison.
In the period from July 21 to October 24 this year, Denmark recorded 483 incidents of book or flag burnings. Originally announced in August, the bill was revised in response to concerns about limiting freedom of expression.
