NEPRA set to review fixed power charges for domestic users

Pakistan’s power regulator is set to hold a public hearing on Feb. 10 on a government proposal to restructure electricity tariffs by introducing fixed charges for a wider range of domestic consumers, including those classified as protected users.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, or NEPRA, will examine an application filed by the Power Division that proposes fixed monthly charges for both protected and non-protected households. Until now, fixed charges were applied only to consumers using more than 300 units of electricity per month.

Under the proposal, protected consumers using up to 100 units per month would pay a fixed charge of PKR 200, while those consuming up to 200 units would pay PKR 300.

For non-protected consumers, fixed charges would range from PKR 275 for households using up to 100 units to PKR 675 for those consuming more than 600 units per month. Consumers using more than 700 units would also be charged PKR 675, reflecting a proposed reduction compared with existing rates.

The government has also proposed lowering per-unit electricity rates for domestic consumers using more than 300 units per month. The proposed reductions range from PKR 1.53 per unit for households consuming 400 units to PKR 0.49 per unit for those using more than 700 units.

Commercial consumers with a sanctioned load of 5 kilowatts or more may receive a reduction of PKR 1.15 per unit, while the industrial sector could see electricity prices cut by up to PKR 5 per unit, according to the proposal.

Separately, NEPRA has notified an increase of PKR 0.28 per unit in electricity prices under the fuel price adjustment mechanism for December. The increase will be collected through February electricity bills and will apply to consumers across the country, including those served by K-Electric.

Lifeline consumers and electric vehicle charging stations have been exempted from the fuel price adjustment, the notification said.
The proposals are part of broader efforts by the government to rebalance electricity tariffs while addressing rising power sector costs.