Pakistan Regulator Slams Power Firms After 11 Electrocuted in Rains
Pakistan’s energy regulator blasted power distributors after 11 people were electrocuted during July’s monsoon rains, even as it weighed a proposal to cut nationwide electricity tariffs by Rs1.69 per unit for one month.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday wrapped up its public hearing on July’s fuel charges adjustment, a petition filed by the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed. If cleared, the reduction will cover nearly all consumers except lifeline users, protected categories, prepaid customers, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Anger boiled over as NEPRA Member Rafiq Ahmad Sheikh demanded accountability from Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), where six of the deaths occurred. “Where is the CEO? Where were the safety measures?” he said, warning of maximum fines but lamenting that utilities often seek stay orders from courts to evade penalties.
The regulator also confirmed that under the government’s uniform tariff policy, K-Electric users will be billed the same FCA as state-run distribution companies.
Fuel mix shifts provided some respite. CPPA reported that stronger hydropower output in July curbed reliance on expensive imported LNG. While overall generation fell 5% year-on-year, monthly production rose 3%. Several major plants — including Neelum-Jhelum, Punjab Thermal, and Guddu — remain offline, straining supply reliability.
Industrial consumers applauded NEPRA for confronting distribution firms but accused the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority of acting “like a post office” and disregarding rules.
