ISLAMABAD, June 12: Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has sought an increase of 14 to 83 paisa per unit for the consumers of various categories. The company has filed a petition with Nepra for determination of new tariff. The utility has sought new tariff for three years.

The company has also proposed reduction in some domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural (tubewells) categories.

The company has proposed an increase of 14 paisa per unit for the domestic category (lifeline consumer) of 0 to 50 units, while an increase of 83 paisa has been proposed for the consumers using 1-100 units.

For consumers using 301-1,000 units, an increase of 83 paisa per unit has been sought, while a reduction of 65 paisa per unit has been proposed for the consumers using above 1,000 units.

The utility has also sought a reduction of 35 to 72 paisa per unit in two categories of commercial consumers. A reduction of 41 to 62 paisa per unit has been proposed for the consumers using tubewells.

The company has justified the filing of its petition by giving details of expenditure, revenue, line loss, fuel cost, power purchase cost and other mandatory details.

The regulatory authority has asked the general public to participate in the hearing process for determination of new tariff and give their suggestions. It will also send its determination to the Ministry of Water and Power to issue a notification in this regard.

The new tariff will be applicable after issuance of a notification by the Ministry of Water and Power, otherwise the existing tariff will continue.

Sources in the power ministry said the government was working on a strategy to implement an equal tariff because the power distribution companies had sought different tariffs for the consumers of different categories according to their financial position. He further said that the decision to implement the new tariff will be taken after the approval of the competent authority. — APP