Electricity bills across Pakistan have surged after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) linked fixed charges to load instead of monthly consumption.
The new formula, effective January 2026, applies fixed charges based on each household’s load, replacing the previous consumption-based system. The change was approved following a federal government request to standardize charges for domestic users.
Resad more: ‘Pakistan to achieve 60% renewables in power mix by 2030′
Under the revised system, fixed charges now apply to all household consumers except lifeline users, covering both protected and non-protected categories. The new load-based approach has significantly increased monthly electricity costs, as charges now rise according to the connected load rather than actual usage.
NEPRA approved fixed charges ranging from 200 to 675 rupees per kilowatt per month for different household slabs. Previously, fixed charges applied only to consumers using more than 300 units and were calculated based on consumption. Earlier, charges ranged from 200 to 1,000 rupees depending on usage.
Resad more: Pakistan’s Energy Lifeline Runs Through a War Zone
For example, a household with a 5-kilowatt load may now face monthly fixed charges between 1,000 and 3,375 rupees. Charges increase further for households with larger loads or higher consumption slabs, putting additional financial pressure on electricity users.
The new formula is expected to affect millions of households nationwide, prompting concerns over rising electricity costs and affordability. Analysts note that load-based fixed charges may disproportionately impact families with higher electricity connections, regardless of actual consumption.