Electricity consumers across Pakistan are facing a sharp increase in monthly power bills after fixed charges were linked to sanctioned load instead of electricity consumption.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved the revised tariff, implemented from January 2026, following a request by the federal government. Under the previous system, fixed charges were based on monthly electricity usage and applied only to consumers using more than 300 units, ranging between Rs200 and Rs1,000.
Under the new tariff structure, fixed charges for domestic consumers are now calculated on a per-kilowatt load basis. Except for lifeline consumers, all residential users are subject to fixed charges regardless of their electricity consumption level.
According to NEPRA’s approval, fixed charges across different domestic slabs have been increased from Rs200 per kilowatt to as high as Rs675 per kilowatt per month, applicable to both protected and non-protected consumers.
With the new formula, fixed charges depend on a consumer’s sanctioned load, leading to a noticeable rise in overall bills. For instance, a consumer with a 5-kilowatt load may see fixed monthly charges increase from Rs1,000 to as much as Rs3,375.
Energy experts say the change has particularly affected low-consumption users, who are now paying higher bills as a larger portion of electricity costs is linked to load rather than actual usage.
Earlier, NEPRA introduced new rules for net metering consumers under the NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2025.
Under these regulations, different tariffs will apply for electricity purchased from net metering users and electricity supplied to them.
Power distribution companies will buy electricity from net metering consumers at the National Average Energy Purchase Price. While the electricity provided to these consumers will be charged at normal consumer rates.
What does “prosumer” mean?
NEPRA has also introduced the term “prosumer” for consumers who both generate and use electricity.
The regulations state that consumers will not be allowed to generate power beyond their approved load.
Additionally, NEPRA will have the authority to review its generation capacity when needed.
Also read: NEPRA announces nationwide electricity price increase
