SITE slams proposed rise in power tariff

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KARACHI – SITE Association of Industry Senior Vice Chairman Asad Nisar Barkhurdaria has expressed serious concerns over the rise in power tariff in the head of fuel adjustment charges by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). He said that a 96 paisa per unit increase in KESC tariff in the head of fuel adjustment charges, as announced by NEPRA, is detrimental for the industries, already faced with crises.
He stated that the present rate of power tariff is remorseless and the industry is no position to absorb any further increase. Taking a strong stance on the new KESC tariff KESC, applicable from next month, he claimed that industries would be forced to close down operations. The new tariff rates, allowed by NEPRA, have come at a time when all economic indicators of the country are negative. Exporters are trying to meet new challenges and competitions through cost-cutting measures.
In the backdrop of such a scenario, NEPRA should have insisted KESC to improve its efficiency and cut down its distribution and line losses. Such strong corrective measures can only offset the subsidy withdrawn by the federal government. A continuous increase in tariff will only promote dissatisfaction, he asserted. Asad Nisar appealed governmental authorities to address the issue and withdraw the increase of 96 paisa under the head of fuel adjustment charges.