NEPRA Electricity Tariff Rates 2025-26: Protected vs Unprotected Slabs

## Understanding Pakistan's Electricity Tariff Structure

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (**NEPRA**) regulates electricity tariffs for all Pakistani distribution companies (**DISCOs**), including LESCO, MEPCO, PESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, FESCO, HESCO, SEPCO, QESCO, TESCO, and K-Electric.

Protected vs. Unprotected Category

In Pakistan, residential consumers are divided into two main categories:

1. **Protected Consumers**: Residential households that consume **up to 200 units per month** consistently for 6 consecutive months. These consumers enjoy subsidized lower per-unit rates. 2. **Unprotected Consumers**: Households that exceed 200 units in any month within a 6-month cycle. They are moved to higher slab tiers with non-subsidized rates and higher fixed charges.

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NEPRA Residential Tariff Slabs Overview

| Unit Range (kWh) | Category | Approx Base Rate (PKR/Unit) | Fixed Charge | |---|---|---|---| | 1 – 100 units | Protected | ~Rs. 7.74 | Low / Exempt | | 101 – 200 units | Protected | ~Rs. 14.16 | Minimal | | 1 – 100 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 16.48 | Rs. 200/mo | | 101 – 200 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 22.95 | Rs. 200/mo | | 201 – 300 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 27.14 | Rs. 400/mo | | 301 – 400 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 32.03 | Rs. 600/mo | | 401 – 500 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 35.24 | Rs. 800/mo | | 501 – 600 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 36.66 | Rs. 1,000/mo | | 601 – 700 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 37.80 | Rs. 1,000/mo | | Above 700 units | Unprotected | ~Rs. 42.00+ | Rs. 1,200/mo |

*Note: Base rates do not include 17% General Sales Tax (GST), Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA), Financing Cost (FC) Surcharge, and TV Fee.*

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Government Taxes & Additional Charges

Every DISCO electricity bill in Pakistan contains taxes imposed by Federal and Provincial governments:

• General Sales Tax (GST): 17% applied on the total energy cost plus FPA.
• Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA): Monthly variable charge reflecting fuel procurement cost differences for power generation plants.
• Financing Cost (FC) Surcharge: Standardized at 43 paisa per unit to service power sector circular debt.
• TV Fee: Fixed Rs. 35 per bill for PTV state broadcaster.
• Electricity Duty: Provincial tax (approx 1.5% in Punjab/KPK, variable in Sindh & Balochistan).

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How to Maintain Protected Status

To stay in the **Protected** category and keep your bill significantly lower:

• Ensure your monthly meter reading stays under 200 units during peak summer months.
• Monitor your mid-month reading using the [BillDekho Mid-Month Predictor](/tools/mid-month).
• Avoid running multiple high-wattage appliances (inverter AC, iron, electric water heater) simultaneously.