NEPRA’s decision deprived Karachi consumers of relief in monthly power adjustment, condemning the Karachi Chamber’s decision.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce President Mohammad Javed Bulani condemned NEPRA’s recent decision, saying that the decision has deprived Karachi consumers of significant relief in monthly power adjustment, both Nipra and K Electric promised to Karachi consumers. According to the benefits have failed to identify.
He said that according to NEPRA’s recent announcement, the November fuel price adjustment has been reduced by only Rs 1.23 per unit although this reduction may be considered a step in the right direction but it is much lower than the expectations of Karachi consumers because Karachi consumers were hoping for a lot of relief after requesting a reduction by KE for a November adjustment by Rs 4.98 per unit.
He said that for November, tariff adjustment should have been reduced by Rs 5.0029 per unit but for KE consumers only Rs 1.23 per unit was reduced.
As a result of this adjustment, consumers were not given the benefit of Rs 5.444 billion, both NEPRA and KE did not fulfill their promise to provide consumer relief to consumers in this difficult time.
Karachi consumers are already under the burden of increasing life costs and huge increase in business costs, and now they are facing more difficulties due to this open injustice, NEPRA who is responsible for the protection of electricity consumer rights. It has shown failure to meet its mandate as it did not ensure that consumers have full benefits. KE, on the other hand, does not care about the problems of the people of Karachi and is taking advantage of the unnecessary delay in reduction of tariffs.
He said that it was very disturbing that NEPRA did not ensure the reduction for Karachi consumers even after full analysis and did not transfer the benefits to the consumers.
KK Electric does not give full advantage of Rs 5.444 billion, which could reduce the financial burden of the people of Karachi is equivalent to an economic treachery.
He cited NEPRA member Tariff Muthar Niaz Rana’s dissent, which was also supported by Member Technical Rafiq Sheikh, who opposed the minor concession to K Electric’s users.
Muthar Niaz Rana said in disagreement that Karachi consumers should have given full advantage of November adjustment which would be equal to a reduction of Rs 5.0029 per unit, which would directly benefit more than Rs 7.215 billion.
He fully supported Muthar Niaz Rana’s dissent from the KCCI, saying that these commercials are the voice of Karachi’s business community and consumers who are facing unfair burden through this unjust decision. 8.7 billion rupees are still under consideration of the authority and the money has been withheld by NEPRA which is really surprising.
He urged both Nipra and K Electric to take immediate corrective measures to ensure that the full advantage of tariff adjustment is delivered to consumers without further delay.
He called for a accountability process from both institutions to ensure the protection of consumer rights in the ongoing economic situation in the country.
He demanded that NEPRA and K Electric not only correct this mistake but also ensure that all the adjustments of the future are transparent, fair and directly benefit the people of Karachi. Must get and we will continue to struggle for their rights.
