The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved the government’s request to impose fixed charges on domestic electricity consumers across Pakistan. The decision, which has significant implications for millions of households, has been sent to the federal government for official notification.
Under the new regulation, both protected and non-protected domestic consumers will now be subject to fixed charges based on their monthly electricity usage. This marks the first time that fixed charges will be applied to consumers using up to 300 units per month, a threshold that previously did not attract any fixed charges.
Details of Fixed Charges:
For protected consumers:
- Up to 100 units per month: Fixed charge of Rs. 200
- Up to 200 units per month: Fixed charge of Rs. 300
For non-protected consumers:
- Up to 100 units per month: Fixed charge of Rs. 275
- Up to 200 units per month: Fixed charge of Rs. 300
- Up to 300 units per month: Fixed charge of Rs. 350
- Up to 400 units per month: Fixed charge will increase by Rs. 200, bringing the total to Rs. 400
- Up to 500 units per month: Fixed charge will rise by Rs. 100, totaling Rs. 500
- Up to 600 units per month: Fixed charge will increase by Rs. 75, bringing it to Rs. 675
- Up to 700 units per month: Fixed charge will decrease by Rs. 125, making the total Rs. 675
- For usage over 700 units per month: Fixed charges will decrease by Rs. 325, reducing the charge to Rs. 675
In addition to the new fixed charges, NEPRA has approved a reduction in the per-unit electricity cost for consumers using more than 300 units per month. The following reductions will apply:
- For 301 to 400 units: A reduction of Rs. 1.53 per unit
- For up to 500 units: A reduction of Rs. 1.25 per unit
- For up to 600 units: A reduction of Rs. 1.40 per unit
These changes, once implemented, are expected to impact household budgets, particularly for those using higher amounts of electricity each month.