Govt Shifts Power Cost Burden to Households to Give Relief to Industry

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has proposed imposing a monthly fixed electricity charge ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 675 on more than 28.5 million residential consumers to generate around Rs. 125 billion. The move aims to fund a Rs. 4.04 per unit relief package for industrial users without breaching IMF-agreed subsidy limits. The revised tariff schedule has been submitted to NEPRA for approval. Lifeline consumers using under 100 units will remain exempt. Officials say the decision addresses rising fixed power system costs and changing consumption patterns, including increased solar adoption, while ensuring long-term financial sustainability of the national grid.