In a country already grappling with high inflation, Pakistanis now face an additional burden as electricity tariffs set to increase. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a significant hike in electricity rates, with base rates climbing by Rs5.72 per unit and fuel charges rising by Rs3.41 per unit. This substantial increase will affect both protected and non-protected consumers.
The new tariff structure means that even a slight increase in electricity usage can push consumers into higher billing categories. For instance, if a protected consumer exceeds 200 units of consumption in a month, they will move to the non-protected category, resulting in a much higher electricity bill. Conversely, if they manage to reduce their usage below 200 units, they can return to the protected category after six months, potentially lowering their costs.
This change comes at a time when many households are already struggling to manage their expenses due to soaring prices of everyday goods. The new rates expected to make electricity even less affordable for average consumers, leading to further financial strain.
For a better understanding of how these changes will affect your monthly electricity bills, here’s an estimate based on the new tariffs:
| Category | Units Consumed | Tariff (Rs/unit) | Estimated Monthly Bill | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline | 1 – 50 | 3.95 | 200 – 300 | Protected |
| Lifeline | 51 – 100 | 7.74 | Up to 1,000 | Protected |
| 100 – 200 | 101 – 200 | 10 | Around 2,500 | Protected |
| 201 – 300 | 201 – 300 | 27 – 30 | At least 6,000 | Non-Protected |
| 301 – 400 | 301 – 400 | 38 | 15,000 – 17,000 | Non-Protected |
| 401 – 500 | 401 and above | 42+ | Above 21,000 | Non-Protected |
| 501 – 600 | 501 – 600 | N/A | Rs30,000 (estimate) | Non-Protected |
| 601 – 700 | 601 – 700 | N/A | Over Rs35,000 | Non-Protected |
| Above 700 | Above 700 | N/A | 50,000 (estimate) | Non-Protected |
With these new rates in place, managing electricity consumption will be crucial for Pakistani households to keep their expenses under control. As the new charges take effect, it’s essential for consumers to be mindful of their electricity use to avoid falling into higher tariff categories.
 has approved a significant hike in electricity rates, with base rates climbing by Rs5.72 per unit and fuel charges rising by Rs3.41 per unit. This substantial increase will affect both protected and non-protected consumers.){kind=link}