Electricity tariff slabs determine how much you pay per unit of electricity in Pakistan. The system uses progressive pricing where higher consumption means higher rates. This guide explains how slabs work, current rates, and why your bill may be higher than expected.
Understanding tariff slabs helps you manage your electricity costs. By staying within lower slabs, you pay less per unit. Crossing into higher slabs significantly increases your bill.
How electricity slabs work
Pakistan uses a progressive tariff system for domestic consumers:
- Your monthly consumption is divided into slabs (0-100 units, 101-200 units, etc.)
- Each slab has a different per-unit rate
- Higher slabs cost more per unit
- Your total bill is the sum of charges from each slab you use
Example: If you use 250 units:
- First 100 units charged at Slab 1 rate
- Next 100 units (101-200) charged at Slab 2 rate
- Remaining 50 units (201-250) charged at Slab 3 rate
Current electricity rates (2026)
Protected consumers (up to 200 units/month)
Protected consumers receive subsidized rates:
| Slab | Units | Rate (Rs/unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-100 | ~10.54 |
| 2 | 101-200 | ~13.01 |
Who qualifies: Households consuming up to 200 units per month. If you exceed 200 units, you lose protected status for that billing cycle.
Non-protected consumers (above 200 units/month)
| Slab | Units | Rate (Rs/unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-100 | ~22.44 |
| 2 | 101-200 | ~28.91 |
| 3 | 201-300 | ~33.10 |
| 4 | 301-400 | ~36.00 |
| 5 | 401-500 | ~40.00 |
| 6 | 500+ | ~47.00+ |
Note: These are approximate base rates. Your actual bill includes additional charges and adjustments. Verify current rates on your bill or NEPRA notifications.
Other charges on your bill
Your electricity bill includes much more than just unit charges:
Fixed charges
| Consumer type | Fixed charge |
|---|---|
| Lifeline (0-50 units) | Exempt |
| 51-100 units | ~Rs 200/kW/month |
| 101-200 units | ~Rs 400/kW/month |
| 200+ units | ~Rs 675/kW/month |
Fixed charges are based on your sanctioned load (kW), not consumption. Even with zero usage, you pay fixed charges.
Additional charges
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) | Monthly adjustment based on fuel costs |
| Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA) | Quarterly rate revision |
| GST | 18% on electricity consumption |
| TV Fee | Rs 35/month |
| Meter Rent | Rs 25-50/month |
| FC Surcharge | Financing cost surcharge |
| NJ Surcharge | Neelum-Jhelum surcharge |
| Arrears | Previous unpaid amounts |
These add significantly to your base unit charges.
Why your bill is higher than expected
Common reasons for high electricity bills:
1. Slab jump
Using even 1 unit more than a slab boundary dramatically increases your bill. Going from 199 to 201 units moves you from protected to non-protected rates.
2. Summer consumption
AC usage in summer can double or triple your consumption, pushing you into expensive slabs.
3. Fuel adjustments
FPA and quarterly adjustments can add Rs 2-5+ per unit depending on fuel prices.
4. Fixed charges
These apply regardless of consumption and can be Rs 500-2000+ per month.
5. Taxes and surcharges
GST (18%) plus various surcharges add 20-30% to your base charges.
How to reduce your electricity bill
Stay in lower slabs
- Monitor consumption throughout the month
- Use energy-efficient appliances (inverter ACs, LED lights)
- Turn off appliances when not in use
Maximize protected status
- If close to 200 units, reduce usage to stay under the threshold
- The jump from protected to non-protected is significant
Check for errors
- Compare meter reading on bill with actual meter
- Report any discrepancy to your DISCO
Consider solar
- Solar panels reduce grid consumption
- May help you stay in lower slabs
- See our Net Metering Pakistan guide
Understanding your bill
Key sections on your electricity bill:
| Section | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Units consumed | Current reading minus previous reading |
| Slab breakdown | Units in each slab and rate applied |
| Unit charges | Base cost of electricity consumed |
| Fixed charges | Monthly charge based on load |
| FPA/QTA | Fuel and quarterly adjustments |
| Taxes | GST and other government taxes |
| Total payable | Sum of all charges |
| Due date | Last date for payment without surcharge |
DISCO-specific variations
While NEPRA sets the base tariff, adjustments vary by DISCO:
| DISCO | Areas covered |
|---|---|
| LESCO | Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura |
| MEPCO | Multan, Bahawalpur, South Punjab |
| FESCO | Faisalabad, Sargodha |
| GEPCO | Gujranwala, Sialkot |
| IESCO | Islamabad, Rawalpindi |
| K-Electric | Karachi (separate tariff) |
Check your bill or DISCO website for area-specific adjustments.
Related guides
- Bijli Bill Check Online - Check your bill by reference number
- Net Metering Pakistan - Sell solar power to reduce bills
- 3 Phase Meter Pakistan - Three-phase connection guide
- Utility Bills - All electricity and gas guides
Disclaimer
Tariff rates change frequently with monthly FPA and quarterly adjustments. The figures above are approximate based on available 2026 data. Always check your actual bill or NEPRA’s official notifications at nepra.org.pk for current rates. GoPunjab is an independent information site, not affiliated with NEPRA or any DISCO.