ISLAMABAD(National times)- The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed fixed charges on domestic consumers using up to 300 units per month, marking a significant change in Pakistan’s electricity tariff structure. The decision, issued on the Power Division’s request, applies to both protected and non-protected consumers. Previously, fixed charges were limited to non-protected domestic consumers using more than 300 units per month. Under the new structure, protected consumers using up to 100 units per month will pay Rs200 in fixed charges, while those using up to 200 units will face Rs300. For non-protected consumers, fixed charges range from Rs275 for up to 100 units to Rs350 for 300 units. Consumers using between 301 and 400 units will see fixed charges increase to Rs400, while those in the 401-500 unit bracket will pay Rs500. Fixed charges rise to Rs675 for consumers using up to 600 units per month. Interestingly, fixed charges are reduced for higher consumption brackets: Rs675 for 601-700 units (after Rs125 reduction) and Rs675 for over 700 units (after Rs325 reduction). Lifeline consumers using up to 100 units remain exempt.

Industrial rate cuts

Nepra has also lowered electricity rates for industrial consumers by Rs4.4 per unit. Domestic consumers will benefit from per-unit relief depending on usage: Rs1.53 per unit for 301-400 units, Rs1.25 for 401-500 units, Rs1.40 for 501–600 units, 91 paisas for 601-700 units, and 49 paisas for over 700 units.

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Sources said the federal government will issue a formal notification of the revised tariff structure after Nepra forwarded the decision for official consideration. This revision aims to balance electricity costs for lower-consumption households while providing relief to industrial and higher-usage consumers.