DISCOs increase rates for the industrial consumers

DISCOS (Distribution Companies) in Punjab have started charging increased rates from exporting industries. Earlier, the tariff was set at Rs 10.62 per KWh. Now it has gone north of 20 Rs per KWh. This increase in rates happened because of roll-back of the zero-rating program promised by the government. As a result, DISCOS have added new taxes to the tariffs which include income tax, general sales tax, GST deferred amount excise duty, quarterly tariff adjustment and extra tax. This runs counter to government policy and NEPRA directives to increase the tariff to only 12.33 Rs per KWh.