Pakistan’s electricity tariff increased on Tuesday after Nepra approved a 33-paise rise for three months. The regulator linked the hike to inefficiencies, theft and mismanagement within the power sector. It also allowed discounted rates for industries and agriculture. The increase will apply nationwide, including K-Electric consumers.
Nepra said the higher charges fall under the quarterly tariff adjustment for the first quarter of FY26. It approved positive adjustments worth Rs6.067 billion. These will apply from December to February. Lifeline and prepaid customers will remain exempt. The authority said all remaining categories will face the full impact.
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However, Nepra also cleared a major relief plan. It approved an incremental package for industrial and agricultural users at Rs22.98 per unit. The package applies to both Time-of-Use and Non-ToU categories. It covers incremental consumption above the reference months from December 2023 to November 2024. Officials said the plan will remain subsidy-neutral.
The Power Division welcomed the lower rate and said it replaces previous charges of Rs38 for agriculture and Rs34 for industry. The package will last three years and will only include positive fuel cost adjustments. Negative adjustments and debt surcharges will not apply. Officials believe this may support production and reduce operational stress for businesses.
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Nepra’s technical member Rafique A. Shaikh issued a strong warning about deep inefficiencies in the power system. He said these costs should not be pushed onto consumers. He added that rising electricity tariff could hurt growth, jobs and living standards. Shaikh urged power companies to absorb losses themselves as the electricity tariff continues to rise.