The Power Division on Monday credited timely and effective measures for preventing any increase in electricity prices for June, adding this had shielded consumers from an additional burden despite disruptions in LNG supplies and the use of expensive furnace oil for power generation.
In a statement, a spokesperson said electricity consumers had been protected from a monthly fuel adjustment increase of between Rs. 5-6/unit, adding the monthly fuel adjustment had been capped at an increase of Rs. 1.73/unit.
The Power Division said consumers had been spared a potential additional burden of Rs. 38 billion through policy continuity, higher electricity demand and the implementation of a special relief package.
According to the statement, improved supply of locally produced gas and increased electricity generation from imported coal plants also helped reduce load management.
The spokesperson said electricity consumers received relief equal to Rs. 65 billion during the first quarter through quarterly adjustments, resulting in a reduction of Rs. 1.93/unit. The quarterly adjustment not only neutralized the impact of monthly fuel adjustments but also provided additional relief despite difficult operating conditions, the statement added.
The Power Division said no increase in the reference tariff was expected next month and consumers could instead receive relief of around 20 paisas/unit.