ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has introduced a significant alteration to the electricity billing system, igniting widespread concern among consumers across Pakistan. This change in the tariff structure has resulted in a notable increase in power bills nationwide.
Under the updated tariff framework, fixed charges will now be calculated based on each consumer’s sanctioned electricity load rather than their actual electricity consumption. This new approach, approved at the federal government’s request, took effect in January 2026.
Previously, fixed charges were levied only on domestic consumers whose monthly electricity usage exceeded 300 units, with fees ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000. However, the revised system extends fixed charges to nearly all domestic consumers, excluding only lifeline users, regardless of their consumption levels.
The fixed charges have also been increased across various consumer categories, now ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 675 per kilowatt per month. This adjustment means that even households with minimal electricity use will face higher monthly bills.
For instance, a consumer with a sanctioned load of 5 kilowatts could see their fixed charges rise dramatically from a previous maximum of Rs. 1,000 to approximately Rs. 3,375 each month. This shift indicates that electricity costs will no longer be primarily dependent on actual usage, placing additional financial strain on families already burdened by escalating living costs.
