Domestic electricity consumers to pay up to Rs48.84 per unit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government has hiked power tariffs up to Rs48.84 per unit for domestic consumers in line with the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) demand.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) approved the government request, seeking an increase of Rs7.12 in the basic power tariff on Sunday.

According to the notification issued by the regulators, the domestic power consumers will pay up to Rs48.84 per unit basic tariff as per their category.

Consumers who use 201 to 300 units monthly will pay Rs34.26 basic tariff per unit after the increase of Rs 7.12.

The basic tariff for 301–400 units surged by Rs7.02 to Rs39.15 per unit, while the 401–500 unit tariff hiked by Rs6.12 to Rs41.36 per unit. 

For 501-600 units, the charges were increased to Rs42.78 per unit.

Similarly, users of 601–700 and 700+ units will pay Rs43.92 and Rs48.84 per unit, respectively. 

Meanwhile, the taxes and other charges were not included in the tariff hikes.

According to the notification, the new charges for the basic tariff would apply to consumers across the country, including Karachi. However, this will not apply to consumers using up to 200 units per month.

Earlier, the Nepra had approved a summary of the hike in electricity tariff by Rs3.33 per unit for May 2024. 

However, the increase in tariffs aimed to fulfil the IMF's demand to eliminate circular debt in the power division.