ISLAMABAD: Despite a leading role in promoting peace in the Middle East—backed by a sustained media blitz—Pakistan’s power consumers appear to be receiving no tangible relief at home, as the federal government moves to saddle electricity users with yet another wave of costs.
The country, it may be added here, is already grappling with rising petrol prices and a tariff structure further burdened by multiple taxes. Now, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved the collection of Rs 200 billion from the National Grid Company (NGC) under the head of system expenses, according to multiple media reports.
The approval follows an application filed by the National Grid Company seeking recovery of revenue-related expenses for the last three years. NEPRA, after hearing the relevant parties and issuing a written decision, has cleared the mechanism for recouping the amount through consumer charges.
Under the decision, payments are expected to begin from August 1, 2026. The collections will be implemented through electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) nationwide, including Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) and other DISCOs across the country.
Interestingly, DISCOs have also been allowed to recover the approved amounts through tariff adjustments. This means the price of electricity per unit can be increased as part of the recovery process—an outcome that officials’ statements and market expectations suggest could translate into higher monthly electricity bills for households and businesses alike.
While the stated purpose of the collections is to meet system expenses of the National Grid, the financial impact is widely seen as likely to be passed directly to consumers.
With electricity costs already under strain from taxes and earlier tariff hikes, the NEPRA approval is raising renewed concerns that relief for the public remains elusive—despite prominent national messaging about peace efforts beyond Pakistan’s borders.
