Electricity Relief Proposed for Small Domestic Consumers

The government is considering changes to the electricity tariff mechanism that could provide relief to domestic consumers whose monthly usage temporarily exceeds 200 units.

According to sources in the Ministry of Energy, the Power Division is reviewing the existing formula for protected electricity consumers. Under the current system, households can lose their protected status if their consumption goes above 200 units even once.

Proposed Change in Tariff Formula

Under the proposal being considered, the higher tariff associated with crossing the 200-unit threshold could apply only to the month in which the limit is exceeded.

Currently, consumers who cross the 200-unit mark may face higher electricity rates for several following months, even if their consumption later falls below the threshold.

The proposed change is intended to reduce the financial impact on households that temporarily use more electricity than usual.

Bitcoin Mining Tariff Proposal Still Pending

Meanwhile, the government has not yet reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a proposal to provide electricity to Bitcoin mining operations at concessional rates.

According to the sources, the matter may be discussed again during upcoming talks between Pakistan and the IMF.

The government is therefore considering two separate electricity-related issues: possible relief for domestic consumers under the protected-consumer formula and a proposed tariff arrangement for Bitcoin mining operations.

Any change to the existing consumer tariff mechanism would depend on the government’s final decision and the relevant regulatory process.