NEPRA puts off security deposit hike

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) announced on Tuesday that it would withhold a decision on the proposed hike in security deposit rates until the completion of a thorough audit of the deposits taken by power distribution companies (DISCOs). At a public hearing, DISCOs faced the wrath of the power-sector regulator and interveners over the proposed substantial increase in security deposit rates. In a tense environment, Nepra members – Rafique Ahmad Shaikh, Mathar Niaz Rana, Amina Ahmed and Maqsood Anwar Khan – expressed dissatisfaction with the case presented by the representatives of DISCOs, led by Irfan Butt of Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco).