ISLAMABAD: Over the past two years, Pakistan has experienced an unprecedented rise in basic electricity tariffs, amounting to Rs25.76 per unit, as per official sources. This increase includes a fixed surcharge of Rs3.23 per unit, significantly raising costs for all consumer categories.
From July to October 2022, the basic tariff rose by Rs7.91 per unit, followed by an additional Rs7.50 hike in July 2023. A fixed surcharge of Rs3.23 per unit was also imposed in July 2023, with another basic tariff increase of Rs7.12 in July 2024. Consequently, the basic tariff for domestic consumers has reached Rs48.84 per unit.
The monthly tariff changes for various consumption brackets are as follows:
201 to 300 units: Increased by Rs7.12 to Rs34.26
301 to 400 units: Increased by Rs7.02 to Rs39.15
401 to 500 units: Increased by Rs6.12 to Rs41.36
501 to 600 units: Increased by Rs6.12 to Rs42.78
601 to 700 units: Increased by Rs6.12 to Rs43.92
Over 700 units: Increased by Rs6.12 to Rs48.84
Lifeline customers, who consume up to 50 units per month, will pay Rs3.95 per unit, while those using 51 to 100 units per month will pay Rs7.74 per unit.
The Power Division outlined new tariffs for non-protected domestic consumers, inclusive of taxes and duties:
1 to 100 units: Rs37.38 per month
101 to 200 units: Rs45.15 per month
201 to 300 units: Rs50.17 per month
301 to 400 units: Rs56.73 per month
401 to 500 units: Rs59.76 per month
501 to 600 units: Rs61.71 per month
601 to 700 units: Rs63.24 per month
Over 700 units: Rs69.27 per month
For protected customers, the tariffs, including taxes and duties, are:
1 to 100 units: Rs19.75 per month
101 to 200 units: Rs22.71 per month
Since April 2022, the overall increase in the basic electricity tariff has been Rs18.39 per unit. For domestic consumers, the increase varies depending on consumption levels:
Up to 100 units: Rs7.06
101 to 200 units: Rs11.21
201 to 300 units: Rs13.31
301 to 400 units: Rs10.80
401 to 500 units: Rs14.01
501 to 600 units: Rs15.43
601 to 700 units: Rs16.57
Over 700 units: Rs18.39 per unit
This significant rise in electricity tariffs has resulted in consumers paying over Rs2 trillion extra within the past two years.
Story by Zaigham Naqvi
