From https://pakobserver.net/how-much-electricity-base-tariff-hike-will-increase-monthly-bills/ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government has added to the woes of inflation-weary people already bearing the brunt of record inflation by approving a massive increase in base tariffs of electricity.
Federal cabinet gives final nod with a circulation summary after Nepra proposed to raise electricity prices earlier this month.
With the latest surge, the base tariff of electricity increased by up to Rs7.50 per unit, which will add thousands in electricity bills every month.
The top slab of tax increase is for those power consumers who are using between 450-700 units per month. The new rates will take effect from July 1 as government issues a notification following a decision by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority.
The recent taxes allowed the government to shift the burden of power subsidy as IMF called on the government to raise power tariff along with other measures.
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Massive electricity price increase adds to inflation-hit Pakistanis woes - Pakistan Observer
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government has added to the woes of inflation-weary people already bearing the brunt of record inflation by…pakobserver.net
The government continues to make electricity more expensive for the consumers. The government will not stop spending billions on buying new cars and giving electricity for free to numerous corrupt LESCO officers but will transfer this cost to general consumers.
Many had to pay hefty sums to LESCO in the previous year. Now people know better and have reduced use of AC in summer so the government continues to make electricity more expensive for the masses. This damned country is being run to serve the privileged few.
After the recent increase, the base tariff will be Rs29.78 per unit. That is about $0.1 per kWh. Cheapest electricity in USA costs $0.1 per kWh. So, the problem is not really electricity costs are high, but it is unaffordable due to low income. Electricity can't be magically produced cheaply since fuel has to be imported, capital equipment is imported and hence inputs will all be at international costs. Labor cost is minimal in electricity generation and hence Pakistan's lower labor costs will not be of much help. Definitely, there is room for improvement and reduction in wastage and pilferage etc. but crying hoarse that electricity is expensive is not going to solve any problem.
What was the subsidy? After the subsidy, the investment looks attractive. About $3,000 investment is generating about $600 of electricity per year. What is the life of your rooftop hardware? I think it is longer than 5 years.But why not Pakistanis don't go for roof top solar? I got a 5 kw solar plant for my farm house in India. I got it for 2.6 lakhs INR after subsidy. It generates on average 620 units a month. It is grid connected so I am selling my excess power back to grid. I don't have to worry about monthly power bills ever. Although electricity is not that unaffordable even through the grid.
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