ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Web Desk: Electricity bills across Pakistan have soared several times higher following a regulatory change linking fixed charges to household load instead of monthly consumption.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved the new tariff in January 2026, applying fixed charges based on load rather than units consumed. Previously, households were billed monthly based on electricity consumption.
The adjustment, made at the request of the federal government, applies fixed charges to all domestic users except lifeline consumers, covering both protected and non-protected categories.
Under the new formula, fixed charges range from PKR 200 per kW to PKR 675 per month depending on household load, whereas previously, fixed charges applied only to users consuming more than 300 units monthly.
For example, a household with a 5 kW load could see charges rise from PKR 1,000 to PKR 3,375 per month, with higher loads and larger slabs increasing bills further.
Analysts warn that this move could significantly impact household budgets, especially for middle-income families, and may drive further energy conservation measures as consumers adjust to the new load-based billing structure.
