ISLAMABAD: After decrease in solar photovoltaic (PV) prices in the global market, the upfront tariff for new solar power plants has been cut by more than 27 per cent.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has set two different upfront rates for solar plants in the country’s South and North regions with generation capacity ranging between 1 and 100MW. It said the new tariff would be 11.35 cents to 11.53 cents per kWh for North region and 10.72 to 10.89 per kWh for South region.
Through the new rates, an attempt has been made “not only to create a balance between the interest of the consumers and the investors but also to encourage investment at the same time”.
The first upfront tariff for solar PV power plants was determined in January 2014 for a total capacity of 50MW with project size of 1 to 10MW. At that time the regulator had determined levelised rates of 16.30 cents per kWh for South and 17 cents per kWh for North with a validity period of six months. The said tariff expired on July 20, 2014.
