The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has sent the decision on national uniform electricity tariff to the federal government, under which it has been announced to maintain basic rates for different unit slabs for domestic consumers. This tariff will be effective from January 1, 2026.
This decision by Nepra has been given in response to the application submitted by the Power Division for the implementation of a uniform national tariff for the year 2026. After hearing the application, Nepra prepared its detailed decision and sent it to the government for notification.
According to the decision, the maximum basic tariff for domestic consumers has been maintained at Rs 47.69 per unit. There has also been no increase in the rates of the protected category to provide relief to consumers who consume less electricity.
The tariff for protected consumers consuming electricity from 1 to 100 units has been fixed at Rs 10.54 while for 101 to 200 units it has been fixed at Rs 13.01 per unit. For non-protected consumers, the tariff for the first 100 units will be Rs 22.44 and up to 200 units it will be Rs 28.91 per unit.
Similarly, for 201 to 300 units it will be Rs 33.10, for 301 to 400 units it will be Rs 37.99, for 401 to 500 units it will be Rs 40.22, for 501 to 600 units it will be Rs 41.62 and for 601 to 700 units it will be Rs 42.76 per unit. The maximum tariff for consumers consuming more than 700 units will be Rs 47.69.
Nepra has maintained a special discount for lifeline consumers. The tariff for those consuming up to 50 units of electricity is Rs 3.95, while for those consuming up to 100 units it is Rs 7.74 per unit.
Sources associated with the energy sector say that although there has been no significant change in the basic tariff, there may be differences in the bills of consumers due to taxes, surcharges and adjustments.
According to experts, the government wants to eliminate regional disparities in electricity prices through a uniform national tariff so that electricity can be provided to all consumers at the same price. However, the public is demanding that electricity rates be further reduced in the future, keeping in mind the inflationary pressure.
This decision of NEPRA is being described as a step towards stability in the energy sector, but the real effects will come to light when the federal government issues a notification and consumers receive new bills.
Analysts say that the biggest challenge for the government is to reduce losses in the electricity sector and provide electricity to consumers at affordable prices, for which continuation of reforms will be inevitable.
