Fixed charges proposed for protected consumers after solar net-billing rules

Lawmakers have proposed the introduction of fixed electricity charges for protected consumers during a public hearing on revised power tariffs held by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

The hearing, chaired by NEPRA Chairman Waseem Mukhtar, was convened to review the Power Division’s request for adjustments to the electricity tariff structure. During the proceedings, officials also presented a proposal to reduce cross-subsidies within the tariff system.

Representatives of the Power Planning and Monitoring Company informed the regulator that fixed charges, previously applicable only to non-protected domestic consumers using more than 300 units per month, are now being proposed for protected consumers as well.

Under the proposal, protected consumers using up to 100 units per month would pay a fixed charge of Rs200, while those consuming up to 200 units would be charged Rs300 per month.

For non-protected consumers, a fixed charge of Rs275 has been proposed for usage of up to 100 units, and Rs300 for up to 200 units per month. Consumers using up to 300 units would face a fixed charge of Rs350, while those consuming between 301 and 400 units would pay Rs400.

The proposal further suggests increasing fixed charges for non-protected consumers using 401 to 500 units to Rs500. For 600 units of consumption, the fixed charge is proposed to increase by Rs75 to Rs675.

Meanwhile, fixed charges for consumers using up to 700 units are proposed to be reduced by Rs125 to Rs675, and for those using more than 700 units, reduced by Rs325 to Rs675.

NEPRA will review the proposals before issuing a final determination on the revised tariff.