Islamabad: (RightNow) Details of electricity production costs from various plants across the country were presented in the Senate. Electricity from WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) dams is produced at a cost of Rs 2.70 per unit, while private IPPs (Independent Power Producers) exceed Rs 34 per unit.

According to the report, WAPDA received Rs 186 billion for 34.5 billion units, whereas private IPPs were paid Rs 1040 billion for 49.8 billion units. In the current fiscal year, IPPs received over Rs 1300 billion in capacity charges.

Officials stated that the Tarbela Hydel Power Project is the cheapest source, producing electricity at Rs 2.70 per unit. The Mangla Hydel Power Project costs Rs 3.75 per unit, with an overall average cost of Rs 5.39 per unit recorded.

This information is crucial as it impacts the government’s financial strategy and public budget issues. The difference in electricity production costs can also affect consumer bills.

It is noteworthy that the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant provides electricity at Rs 6.76 per unit, and local Thar coal at Rs 19.03 per unit. The cost of imported coal plants, such as Sahiwal Coal, reached Rs 34.17 and Port Qasim Rs 32.16 per unit.