Consumers Want Audit of Discos

Staff Report

Islamabad: The consumers have called for conducting audit of power distribution companies (Discos) which have demanded the power regulator to allow passing on Rs 455 billion on the consumers by increasing electricity rates.

The power regulator conducted a public hearing here on Friday to consider interim tariff applications of eight power distribution companies.

These companies have asked for interim tariff for the next financial year, NEPRA officials said adding that these companies included GEPCO, QESCO, MEPCO, SEPCO, HAZICO, PESCO, HESCO and TESCO.

The companies have asked for a total revenue of Rs 455 billion for the next financial year to be recovered from electricity consumers.

Energy Experts Advocate for Discos Privitization

Before giving interim tariffs increase to these electricity distribution companies, the power regulator should conduct audit of these companies,” interveners said during the public hearing.

Tanveer Bari representative of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries said and added that companies should present their investment plans.

He said that these power distribution companies were involved in higher losses compared to the targets set by the power regulator.

He further said that the government is going to impose a surcharge for five years to reduce circular debt.

Authority will issue decision after further review of data.