The government is moving ahead with proposed changes to electricity tariffs and fixed charges that could massively increase the financial burden on low-consumption households, particularly those using 200 units of electricity or less per month.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has concluded its hearing on the petition, with a final decision to be announced after reviewing the data.
According to Power Division officials, the proposed adjustments would reduce electricity tariffs for the industrial sector by Rs4.04 per unit and eliminate the Rs101 billion cross-subsidy currently borne by industry. However, consumer groups warn that the relief for industry may come at the expense of small domestic consumers.
Under the proposal, the share of fixed charges in the overall tariff structure would increase from 7 percent to 10 percent. For the first time, fixed charges would also be imposed on households consuming up to 300 units per month, including both protected and non-protected consumers. Previously, fixed charges applied only to non-protected consumers using more than 300 units.
The government has proposed a monthly fixed charge of Rs200 for protected consumers using up to 100 units and Rs300 for those using up to 200 units. Non-protected consumers using up to 100 units would face a Rs275 fixed charge, while those consuming up to 200 units would pay Rs300.
Meanwhile, the government has proposed per-unit tariff reductions ranging from 49 paisa to Rs1.53 for households consuming between 400 and 700 units, along with reduced fixed charges for those using more than 700 units. Commercial consumers with loads of 5 kilowatts and above, as well as industrial users, are also expected to benefit from tariff cuts of up to Rs5 per unit.
