Protected electricity consumers in Pakistan may soon face fixed monthly charges under a new tariff plan. The proposal comes after the launch of solar net metering rules.
During a NEPRA hearing chaired by Waseem Mukhtar, officials outlined a plan to extend fixed electricity charges to protected consumers for the first time. Previously, only larger non-protected users paid fixed charges, while small users benefited from low, variable rates.
Lawmakers argued that the change is necessary to reduce long-standing cross-subsidies in the electricity sector. Under the proposal, protected consumers using up to 100 units per month would pay Rs200, while those consuming up to 200 units would pay Rs300.
For non-protected users, fixed charges would range from Rs275 for up to 100 units to Rs675 for usage above 600 units. Officials stated that the plan aims to make the tariff structure fairer and more sustainable, although critics expressed concerns about affordability for low-income households.
The proposed revision affects millions of electricity users across Pakistan. NEPRA emphasized that the fixed charges are part of a broader effort to align the tariff system with modern energy policies, including solar net metering.
The announcement sparked debates over fairness, as protected consumers have historically benefited from lower bills. Experts said the change may impact household budgets but could also help stabilize the electricity sector in the long term.
NEPRA is expected to carefully review the proposals before making a final decision. Consumers are advised to follow updates from the regulatory authority and prepare for possible adjustments in their monthly electricity bills.
If approved, the new plan would mark a significant shift in how electricity charges are applied to protected consumers, ending decades of special treatment for small users.
The government and regulators maintain that the move is aimed at financial sustainability while balancing the needs of low and high-consumption households.
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