The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved a revised electricity tariff framework introducing fixed monthly charges for domestic consumers using up to 300 units of electricity — a move that significantly alters Pakistan’s power pricing structure.
The decision was taken on a request submitted by the Power Division and applies to both protected and non-protected household consumers. Until now, fixed monthly charges were applicable only to non-protected domestic users consuming more than 300 units per month.
Fixed Charges for Lower Consumption Slabs
Under the updated tariff structure, protected consumers — typically low-income households — will now pay fixed monthly charges depending on their electricity usage. Those consuming up to 100 units per month will be charged Rs200, while consumers using up to 200 units will pay Rs300.
For non-protected consumers, fixed charges will begin at Rs275 for consumption of up to 100 units and increase to Rs350 for those using up to 300 units per month.
Households falling in the 301–400 unit bracket will face fixed charges of Rs400 per month, while those using between 401 and 500 units will pay Rs500. Consumers using up to 600 units will be charged Rs675 in fixed monthly fees.
Interestingly, Nepra has reduced fixed charges for higher consumption brackets. Consumers using 601–700 units will now pay Rs675 after a reduction of Rs125, while those consuming more than 700 units will also pay Rs675 following a larger reduction of Rs325.
Lifeline consumers — households using up to 100 units under subsidized categories — will remain exempt from fixed charges, according to the regulator.
Relief in Per-Unit Charges
Alongside the introduction of fixed fees, Nepra has also approved a reduction in per-unit electricity rates for certain consumer categories.
Industrial consumers will receive a significant relief of Rs4.40 per unit in a bid to support manufacturing activity and improve competitiveness.
Domestic consumers in higher usage brackets will also benefit from modest reductions in energy charges. Consumers using 301–400 units will receive relief of Rs1.53 per unit, while those in the 401–500 slab will see a decrease of Rs1.25 per unit. Households consuming 501–600 units will get a reduction of Rs1.40 per unit, followed by 91 paisas relief for the 601–700 slab and 49 paisas for those exceeding 700 units.
Government Notification Awaited
Officials said Nepra has forwarded its determination to the federal government, which will issue a formal notification before the revised tariff structure comes into effect.
The restructuring appears aimed at redistributing the financial burden within the power sector by broadening the base of fixed charge payers while offering selective relief to industrial and higher-consumption domestic users. Authorities argue the changes are designed to stabilize revenue flows for power distribution companies and address circular debt pressures.
Energy analysts note that while lower-consumption households will now face fixed monthly charges, lifeline users remain protected, suggesting an effort to shield the most vulnerable consumers from additional costs.
