ISLAMABAD: The Power Division is examining a proposal to change the tariff rules for protected domestic electricity consumers, under which households exceeding the 200-unit monthly limit could face higher charges only for the month of excess consumption instead of losing protected status for six months.
Under the existing rules, consumers who use up to 200 units for six consecutive months qualify for the protected category and are charged lower subsidised rates. However, crossing the 200-unit threshold even once results in the loss of protected status.
The consumer is then billed at non-protected rates for the following six months, even if monthly consumption subsequently falls below 200 units.
Sources said the proposed formula would apply the higher tariff only in the month when consumption exceeds 200 units. If usage returns to 200 units or below in the following month, the consumer could regain protected status and the applicable lower tariff.
Officials said the proposed change was aimed at reducing the financial burden on households that occasionally exceed the limit, particularly during periods of high electricity demand in summer, but generally remain within the protected consumption range.
The proposal is still under consideration and would require approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and the federal cabinet before it could be implemented.
Separately, the government has yet to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on concessional electricity rates for bitcoin mining. The issue is expected to be discussed again during forthcoming talks with the Fund.
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