Winter package: Electricity prices to go down by Rs 8 per unit

Eelectricity prices in Pakistan are likely to be lowered by as much as Rs8 per unit for a three-month period as part of the suggested winter package.

Sources indicate that the winter initiative is designed to provide consumers with relief by promoting higher electricity usage.

The Power Division, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant departments are collaborating on the specifics of the winter package.

The anticipated winter package is expected to reduce electricity prices by up to Rs8 per unit for a duration of three months. Nevertheless, the final confirmation of the package relies on the approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Three distinct proposals are being evaluated for the price decrease during the colder months.

One proposal involves granting relief to all electricity users, while another considers restricting relief to industrial consumers to encourage usage.

If relief is exclusively provided to industrial users, a price drop of up to 20 rupees per unit is anticipated.

The first proposal suggests a three-month duration from December to February 2025 for the winter package. The second proposal looks at extending the timeframe from December to April.

A final decision regarding the package, which aims to lower production costs and boost electricity demand, is expected shortly. If the IMF grants approval, the proposal will be forwarded to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for its sanction. Once NEPRA approves it, the federal cabinet will give the final nod for the winter package.