Electricity Per Unit Price Today in Pakistan | Bijli Unit Rate

Pakistan’s electricity rates are among the highest in the region, with the overall per-unit cost, reaching up to Rs. 65.

A major factor contributing to this is the heavy tax burden, which accounts for 40-50% of the total bill.

To better understand, let’s take a closer look at the latest electricity prices across different categories in Pakistan.

And how Wapda companies calculate the final bill.

Latest Electricity Bill Per Unit Price in Pakistan

Below table contains the latest unit price of different tariff categories formulated by NEPRA

Here is the detailed breakdown of the unit rate, including the recent increase in unit price in July, surcharges, and adjustments. This tariff applies to all discos in Pakistan including IESCO, LESCO, MEPCO, and FESCo etc.

Let’s Understand Different Consumer Categories

 In 2023, we saw many Pakistanis took to the streets to protest against the high electricity prices (including FPA and taxes). 

In response, the Ministry of Energy made some adjustments to the definition of protected and unprotected consumers.

Protected Consumer

Protected consumers are those whose electricity usage is below 200 units for the last six consecutive months. This means that as long as your monthly usage stays within this limit, you’ll be considered a protected consumer. 

However, if your usage exceeds 200 units even for a single month, you’ll automatically be moved to the non-protected category.

Non-Protected Consumer

On the other hand, non-protected consumers are those whose electricity bill is above 200 units for the previous six months, either for all six months or for any single month during that period. This group is subjected to high tariffs.

Now you can see from the above tariff guide, how big the difference is between protected and unprotected categories.

How Electricity Bill is Calculated?

To calculate the overall bill first we need to understand what are the portions of the electricity bill. We will take this bill (IESCO consumer) as an example.

Now let’s look at each part one by one.

First, confirm the tariff category

To confirm which tariff will apply to our units we will find whether we fall in the protected or un-protected category. 

For that look at the last 6 month history of this bill.

As the November, January, and February bill is above 200 it means we are in a non-protected category.

Calculate IESCO charges

First, to calculate the cost of electricity, the consumed units (176) are multiplied by the unit rate, which is Rs. 22.9 (see un-protected 200-300 units slab above).

The next major component is FPA (fuel price adjustment) which is given at the end (Feb-24 @ Rs. 4.92). 

To calculate multiply 4.92 by the Feb units (292) which comes out to be Rs.1432.

FC surcharge (financing cost surcharge) is also included here which is revised by Nepra from time to time and the current rate is Rs. 3.2/unit. 

Multiplying 3.2 with monthly units (176) results in Rs. 568.

The last portion of IESCO charges is a quarterly adjustment which is purely a distribution company charge and applies every 3 months. In this case, it is Rs. 608.

Total IESCO Charges = Rs. 6647

Calculate Govt. charges

Now it’s govt. turn to recover their dues. The top of the line is electricity duty which is 1.5% of the cost of electricity and equal to Rs.70.

Next is the TV fee which is Rs.35 (only applies to residential connections).

The major chunk here is the GST (general sales tax), which is 17% of the electricity cost and comes out to be Rs.951.

Finally electricity duty and GST is calculated over FPA price in the same way as above and sum up to Rs.282.

Total Govt. Charges = 1338 

Calculatet final bill

Total Bill = IESCO charges + Govt. Charges

Total Bill = 6647+1338 

Total Bill = Rs. 7985

Note: You can see from the bill below that consumer arrears (the last 2 months’ bill is not paid) of Rs.18203 are also added to the final bill calculation.

Total Bill = Rs. 7985 + 18203

Total Bill = 26189

Apply This Simple Technique to Save Electricity Bill

With the new flat rate, the bills will be significantly higher. Be prepared for it.

One way we can use our common sense is to check our electricity usage every 10 days and ensure it stays under 200 units.

In this way, you will be in a protected category, and your bill will be 40% less than if you go to an unprotected category.

Factors Affecting Electricity Costs in Pakistan

Electricity prices in Pakistan are influenced by several key factors.

Let’s break them down:

High Dependence on Imported Fuels

Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuels like coal, oil, and LNG for electricity production.

Global price fluctuations significantly affect local rates.

Transmission and Distribution Losses

Aging infrastructure leads to significant losses in the transmission and distribution network, increasing the overall cost of electricity for consumers.

High Taxes and Surcharges

Electricity bills in Pakistan include various taxes, such as GST and FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment), which can make up 40-50% of the bill.

Circular Debt

Pakistan’s energy sector faces a circular debt issue, where unpaid dues between government entities lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.

By understanding these factors, consumers can better grasp why electricity costs in Pakistan are so high and how it impacts their monthly bills.

Wrapping Up

I hope this blog post has provided you with a clear overview of the current per-unit electricity rates in Pakistan and  what you’re paying in your electricity bills

With this knowledge, you’ll be in a stronger position to monitor your electricity consumption, budget accordingly, and even possibly identify any discrepancies in your bills.

Frequently Asked Questions