THE revised electricity tariff, especially related to the so-called peak hours and the extension of the duration of the peak hours, is simply unjustified. Every now and then we hear about power outages for hours in major parts of the city. Yet, the bills we receive are getting exorbitant.
The new electricity tariffs being levied from July 1 are unimaginable. The total fuel cost is Rs6.42, variable Operations and Maintenance (O&M) charges Rs0.31, capacity charges Rs16.22 (71 per cent) and net rate Rs22.95. Electricity base tariff increased by Rs4.96 per unit. The new rates will be Rs29.78 per unit from Rs24.82.
The peak-hour rates have been increased from Rs34.39 per unit to Rs49.35 per unit. The increase is unjustifiable, especially when the peak-hour duration has been extended from the previous 6.30pm to 10.30pm to the current 5pm to 11pm.
As it is, the normal hour rates are so high and electricity duty at 1.50pc and 18pc sales tax are in addition to these charges. Why should the government even have different peak-hour charges at all? This affects the entire population and results in increased prices of all commodities. There should be no peak-hour charges at all.
Can someone, like, say, the judiciary come to the rescue of the Pakistanis?
Dr Amin Rehmani
Karachi
Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2023
