KARACHI - New tariff revised by the NEPRA would not be implemented till the standing committee of National Assembly (NA) gives approval for its enforcement. The committee is scheduled to meet on February 6, sources told The Nation on Sunday. The NA standing committee will discuss the issue of tariff increment in that meeting. According to the source, NEPRA has allowed the power supplying companies to increase tariff rates according to the internationally increasing oil prices. But it is worth mentioning that during last few months the oil prices have shown massive decline. In this context increment in power tariff is not justified. "The committee meeting will discuss the issue and blazing speeches are expected during the meeting session. The committee will also finalise its schedule to visit Karachi. During their stay, the committee will visit the KESC and will look up to the problems and matters of power crisis faced by the metropolitan. The tariff increment would also be discussed during their meeting with the authorities in Karachi," said the source. It is worth mentioning that the NEPRA has allowed the KESC to increase tariff rate by Rs1.86 a few days back. This increment is made for the second time during last 8 months. Talking to The Nation, Abid Sher Ali, MNA, and member of standing committee for the water and power said that during the meeting on February 6 the new power tariff rates would be discussed. In that meeting the plan for committee visit to Karachi will also be finalised. He said: "During our last meeting I have recommended to the chairman that the committee should visit the places where there are problems regarding the electricity condition. The chairman has agreed to the suggestion and this issue will be taken up in the next meeting. In the meeting it would be discussed and finalised whether or not to increase power tariff." "Karachi had been facing hours long loadshedding that largely affected the routine life in the City. Karachi is the financial hub of the country. The poor power condition of the metropolis has raised questions on the working condition of the KESC and the provincial government. It would be disappointing for the public if the tariff rates go up again," said the source. "The government will not raise the power tariff. The political situation and deteriorated power supply in the country will largely affect the decision on increment," he added. It is note worthy that the NEPRA has allowed almost all the power supplying companies to increase their tariff rates. According to the announcement made by NEPRA on Friday, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has been allowed to increase the tariff up to 9 paisa, Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) to increase 14 paisa, Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) to increase 64 paisa, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) to 77 paisa, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) to 81 paisa and Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) to increase Rs1. Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) has been asked to reduce tariff rate by Rs1.1. All these increments will be implemented from December 2008.