The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved new charges for Pakistan’s electricity transmission network.
The decision aims to introduce uniform Use of System Charges (UoSC) across the country. It also sets variable grid charges for open-access electricity consumers.
Under the decision, different charges will apply based on consumer categories. Variable grid charges for bidding consumers will range from Rs6.23 to Rs19.62 per unit.
For open-access consumers outside the bidding process, higher charges have been approved. These charges will include stranded costs and range from Rs19.17 to Rs32.56 per unit.
The regulator has also approved uniform transmission losses for electricity networks. Losses for the 11kV network have been set at 8.04 percent.
For the 132kV network, the approved transmission losses stand at 1.51 percent. These rates will apply across the country under the new decision.
The authority has also fixed monthly charges for electricity grid usage. Fixed grid charges will be collected at Rs1 per kilowatt per month.
According to the decision, certain additional charges will also apply uniformly. These charges will cover both open-access consumers and regular electricity consumers.
The latest move is part of efforts to establish a consistent charging system. It will apply to consumers using the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
NEPRA has directed the federal government to implement the decision through a gazette notification. The notification must be issued within 30 days.
The regulator has also issued instructions to power distribution companies. All distribution companies, known as DISCOs, must submit their UoSC petitions.
The petitions are required for the upcoming year. This will allow the authority to review and determine the applicable charges.
The introduction of uniform charges could provide a standardized framework for electricity transmission costs. It may also affect the costs faced by different categories of electricity consumers.
The approved rates will become applicable after the required notification and implementation process. Until then, relevant authorities will complete the necessary regulatory steps.
The decision comes as Pakistan continues efforts to improve its electricity sector. Transmission charges remain an important part of the overall electricity cost structure.
Nepra will oversee the implementation of the approved framework. The authority will also continue reviewing petitions submitted by distribution companies.
In other news read more about Pakistan’s Government Debt Remains at Rs. 83 Trillion
The new charging structure is expected to bring greater consistency to transmission-related costs. Its impact will depend on how the approved rates are implemented across the electricity sector.
