Electricity consumers across Pakistan, including K-Electric customers in Karachi, may have to pay higher power bills after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) scheduled a hearing on a proposed tariff increase.

The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has asked Nepra to approve a Rs1.20 per unit increase under the June monthly fuel cost adjustment (FCA). The regulator is set to hear the request on Wednesday before deciding whether to approve the proposed hike.

If approved, the increase will be recovered from consumers through upcoming electricity bills in line with the government's tariff adjustment mechanism. Under existing policy guidelines, the fuel cost adjustment will also apply to K-Electric consumers.

Fuel cost adjustments are reviewed every month to reflect changes in the cost of electricity generation, mainly due to fluctuations in global fuel prices and the country's energy mix. These adjustments can either increase or decrease electricity tariffs depending on generation costs during the relevant month.

Last month, Nepra approved a Rs0.34 per unit increase under the May fuel cost adjustment, which was reflected in consumers' July electricity bills.

The latest proposal comes as households and businesses continue to face rising utility costs, with many consumers already under financial pressure due to inflation and higher living expenses.

Nepra will examine the CPPA's data and hear the views of stakeholders before issuing its final decision. If the regulator approves the request, the revised fuel adjustment charges will be incorporated into future electricity bills for eligible consumers across the country.