NEPRA, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, has finalized its decision regarding the average basic electricity tariff, approving a significant increase of Rs 1.79 per unit. Reports from Islamabad confirm that this decision has been forwarded to the Federal Government for final clearance and implementation.
- Average tariff jumps to Rs 33.38.
- Rs 1.79 per unit increase confirmed.
- Federal approval now required for implementation.
According to the regulatory body and reports from Express News, the revised tariff is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026. The new average national basic electricity rate has been fixed at Rs 33.38 per unit. This figure is calculated against the current average basic tariff of Rs 31.59 per unit, marking the substantial Rs 1.79 difference. NEPRA states that this new rate is still 62 paisas less than the earlier projection of Rs 34 per unit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Furthermore, the total estimated financial requirement for Distribution Companies (DISCOs) for 2026 is projected to be Rs 3379 billion. This massive sum includes Rs 2923 billion allocated for the cost of electricity purchase and Rs 456.15 billion set aside for distribution costs and company profits. NEPRA has estimated the annual electricity sales for 2026 to be around 101 billion units. While specific tariffs are set for each distribution company, the governing law mandates a uniform national tariff. Consequently, NEPRA has also sent a separate regulatory decision to the Federal Government concerning the application of a uniform tariff across the nation.