The government has proposed fixed monthly electricity charges for consumers who use up to 300 units. The move marks a major policy shift for low-consumption households across Pakistan.
The Power Division has submitted a formal petition to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority. NEPRA will hear the request on February 10. Currently, fixed charges apply only to consumers who exceed 300 units per month.
Under the new proposal, the government wants to extend fixed charges to both protected and non-protected consumers. If NEPRA approves the plan, households with lower electricity usage will still pay a set monthly amount. The charge will apply regardless of actual consumption.
Officials say the proposal aims to ensure cost-sharing across all consumer categories. The change would also help stabilise revenue for power distribution companies.
This development comes after NEPRA approved a fuel price adjustment that raised electricity tariffs nationwide. The authority increased prices by 28 paisa per unit under the December fuel cost adjustment.
Read: Electricity Tariff May Rise by 48 Paisa per Unit in Pakistan
The revised rates will appear in February electricity bills. The increase applies to general consumers across all major distribution companies. NEPRA has exempted lifeline tariff users and electric vehicle charging stations from the hike.
NEPRA explained that the adjustment reflects routine fuel cost pass-throughs. The mechanism allows electricity prices to move in line with changes in fuel costs. The authority said it reviews such adjustments regularly and informs consumers in advance.
Alongside tariff changes, NEPRA has also introduced new rules for net metering users. The regulator issued the NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2025 to govern electricity generation and supply by consumers.
Under the new framework, power companies will buy electricity from net metering users at the National Average Energy Purchase Price. At the same time, these consumers will purchase electricity at the prevailing consumer tariff.
NEPRA has formally introduced the term “prosumer” for users who both generate and consume electricity. The regulations limit generation capacity to a consumer’s sanctioned load. NEPRA can reassess that capacity when required.
As electricity costs continue to rise, the proposed fixed charges could affect millions of households. NEPRA’s decision will determine how broadly the financial burden spreads across consumer groups.
