Industrialists Demand Third-Party Audit Amid Power Sector Tariff Dispute

ISLAMABAD: Industrial consumers are protesting against the revised incremental consumption package (ICP) for industry and agriculture, urging the government to initiate an independent third-party audit for verification of power sector data. They are also calling for the suspension of the two-part electricity tariff until the audit is completed.

In formal letters addressed to the government, the Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) has emphasized the need for high-level intervention to prevent the burden of the special ICP from falling on all consumers. They argue that the current approach benefits only a select group of industries rather than reducing power rates for all.

The revised ICP, set at Rs25.30 per unit, contrasts sharply with the actual marginal costs of Rs31.83 or Rs29.65 per unit calculated by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on November 6. This discrepancy is leading to increased monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCAs), adversely affecting all consumer categories nationwide.

As the situation unfolds, industrialists are pressing for immediate action from the government to address these concerns. The ICP was initially announced in December last year under the directive of the Prime Minister, but its implementation has raised significant questions regarding its fairness and impact on the broader economy.