Fixed charges on electricity bills in Pakistan 2026
Fixed charges on electricity bills are mandatory costs that every consumer has to pay, regardless of how much electricity they use. These charges are applied separately from unit consumption and vary depending on the type of consumer and their monthly usage.
According to NEPRA’s updated tariff structure for 2026, new fixed charges have been introduced for electricity users. The main purpose of these adjustments is to support the power sector in maintaining stable revenue and ensuring the smooth operation of the electricity system. For better convenience, consumers can also use GEPCO online bill services to check and manage their electricity bills easily.
What are Fixed Charges on Electricity Bills?
Fixed charges are generally determined based on a consumer’s sanctioned load or the Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI), whichever is higher during a billing period. In most cases, the calculation is done using a percentage-based formula, where a specific percentage is applied to the sanctioned load or recorded MDI and then multiplied by the per-kilowatt rate according to the consumer’s tariff category.
Purpose
Some cost recovery is being shifted from per-unit charges to fixed charges to encourage proper grid usage, reduce theft incentives, and cover fixed system costs without relying only on high electricity consumption.
Applicability
Mainly applicable to industrial and commercial consumers, not to residential users under slab-based or below TOU categories.
Calculation Example
If your sanctioned load is 5 kW and the fixed rate is Rs. 1,250 per kW per month, you will still have to pay the fixed charges of around Rs. 1,526.50, even if your actual electricity usage is lower.
Fixed Charges Per Month
Below are the fixed charges per month for electricity consumption.
Units Consumed | Charged |
301-400 | 200Rs |
401-500 | 400Rs |
501-600 | 600Rs |
601-700 | 800Rs |
700 | 1000Rs |
For the commercial Consumers
If you are a commercial consumer then you have to pay for like:
- For load less then 5KW you have to pay 1000Rs
- For loads more than 5KW you have to pay 2000RS.
Impact on Total Electricity Costs
The total cost of electricity is made up of approximately 72% fixed charges and 28% variable (per-unit) charges. The focus on fixed charges is to ensure a steady revenue stream for electricity providers, which helps in maintaining and upgrading the power infrastructure and ensuring reliable service delivery.
Public Response to These Changes
According to the recent changes, public reaction has been mixed. Some consumers understand the need for a stable and sustainable electricity supply and are willing to bear the revised costs. However, others are increasingly concerned about the affordability of rising electricity charges.
NEPRA and the government are expected to closely monitor the impact of these changes to ensure that consumers are not placed under excessive financial pressure.
What is the GEPCO Unit Price?
The table below shows the unit rates of Gujranwala Electric and Power Company.
Units consumed | Price per Unit |
1-100 | Rs 22 |
101-200 | Rs 32 |
201-300 | Rs 37 |
301-400 | Rs 43 |
401-500 | Rs 47 |
501-600 | Rs 49 |
601-700 | Rs 52 |
Above 700 | Rs 65 |
Finl Words
Electricity tariff changes are aimed at ensuring a stable power supply, but they also raise concerns about affordability for consumers. It is important that NEPRA and the government continue to monitor these impacts and maintain a balance between sustainable energy provision and public financial relief.