Consumers across Pakistan may experience increased electricity bills as soon as April 2026.
The decision comes after a utilities’ request to the country’s energy regulator on Monday for approval of an additional charge of Rs1.64 per unit to recover fuel costs that significantly exceeded the amounts billed to customers in February 2026.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G), representing ex-WAPDA distribution companies, submitted this request to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
It further highlighed a discrepancy between the reference fuel cost of Rs6.73 per unit included in February electricity bills and the actual cost of Rs8.37 per unit, resulting in a shortfall of nearly 25 percent.
Should the surcharge be approved, it would also affect K-Electric consumers.
In February, total power generation reached 7,696 gigawatt-hours (GWh) at a cost of Rs62.75 billion, which translates to approximately Rs8.15 per unit.
NEPRA approves increase in electricity prices
Earlier, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved a rise of 35 paisa per unit in electricity rates as part of a quarterly tariff adjustment.
This decision will be applicable nationwide, including in the city of Karachi.
According to the regulator, this adjustment applies to electricity expenses incurred during the period from October to December 2025.
The updated tariff will be enforced for a duration of three months, specifically from March to May 2026.
According to the decision, the new tariff will apply to most electricity consumers across Pakistan and will appear in bills during the implementation period.
However, certain categories will remain exempt from the increase. Lifeline electricity consumers and electric vehicle charging stations will not face the additional charges.
Read more: Major increase in electricity price: NEPRA approves price hike
