New Proposal Targets Both Protected and Non-Protected Consumers
Lawmakers have proposed fixed electricity charges for protected domestic consumers after the latest solar net-billing rules. The suggestion came during a hearing on the Power Division’s request for a revised electricity tariff. The hearing was chaired by NEPRA Chairman Waseem Mukhtar.
The move is linked to the government’s new solar net metering regulations. These rules require solar users to pay full electricity unit prices. The proposal aims to recover fixed costs and reduce cross-subsidies in the power tariff system.
Officials from the Power Planning and Monitoring Company informed NEPRA that fixed charges are now being considered for both protected and non-protected consumers. Previously, fixed charges were only applied to non-protected consumers using more than 300 units per month.
Fixed Charge Rates Proposed for Different Consumer Categories
Under the new proposal, protected consumers using up to 100 units per month would be charged Rs. 200 as a fixed fee. Protected consumers using up to 200 units would face a fixed charge of Rs. 300 per month.
For non-protected consumers, the proposed fixed charges are higher. Consumers using up to 100 units would pay Rs. 275. Those using up to 200 units would pay Rs. 300.
The fixed charge for consumers using up to 300 units is proposed at Rs. 350. For consumption between 301 and 400 units, the fixed charge would be Rs. 400.
The proposal also includes higher charges for consumers using 401 to 500 units. Their fixed charge would rise to Rs. 500. For usage of 600 units, the fixed charge is proposed to increase by Rs. 75 to Rs. 675.
Meanwhile, the proposal suggests reducing fixed charges for higher consumption slabs. Consumers using up to 700 units would see their fixed charge reduced by Rs. 125 to Rs. 675. Consumers using more than 700 units would see a reduction of Rs. 325, also bringing their fixed charge to Rs. 675.
Cross-Subsidy Reduction and Solar Net Metering Impact
The proposed fixed charges are part of a broader plan to reduce cross-subsidies in the power sector. Cross-subsidies occur when certain consumer groups pay higher tariffs to subsidize others.
The Power Division argues that fixed charges will help recover capacity costs and stabilize the electricity system. The move is also seen as a response to growing solar net metering adoption.
Solar users now pay the full electricity unit price under the latest rules. This means that net metering consumers may face higher bills if fixed charges are introduced.
The proposal is still under review by NEPRA. The final decision will affect millions of domestic consumers across Pakistan.
