The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced plans to impose fixed charges of up to Rs. 1,000 per month on electricity bills in Pakistan. This move is aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by power distribution companies in the country.
The fixed charges will be in addition to the existing variable charges and will be applicable to all consumers, including residential, commercial, and industrial users.
The fixed charges will be based on the peak load requirement of each consumer and will range from Rs. 400 to Rs. 1,000 per month.
For example, consumers with a peak load requirement of less than 5 kW will be charged Rs. 400 per month, while those with a peak load requirement of 5 kW or more will be charged Rs. 1,000 per month.
The fixed charges will be adjusted in the consumers’ electricity bills and will be collected by the power distribution companies.
The imposition of fixed charges is expected to increase the financial burden on consumers, particularly residential users who are already struggling with high electricity bills.
However, NEPRA has stated that the fixed charges are necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of the power sector in Pakistan.
The move is also expected to encourage consumers to use energy-efficient appliances and reduce their energy consumption.
