Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced significant relief for electricity consumers, who have been distressed by the substantial increase in power tariffs for the new fiscal year 2024-25.
To alleviate the burden, the premier has directed authorities to extend the payment deadline for electricity bills by 10 days. A notification issued by the Power Division instructs all electricity distribution companies to comply with this directive.
As a result, the due dates for July and August bills will be extended by 10 days.
Last month, the PML-N-led government officially approved a significant increase in the base tariff of electricity, raising the per-unit price by up to Rs7.12, effective from July 1, 2024.
Electricity consumers will face higher bills in August 2024 under the new rates, further straining them amid rising inflation.
A notification from the Finance Division states that lifeline consumers using up to 50 units per month will continue to be charged the previous rate of Rs3.95 per unit, while those consuming up to 100 units per month will pay Rs7.74 per unit.
Additionally, the government has provided relief to those consuming up to 200 units per month by exempting them from the revised rates for three months, or until September 2024.
Consumers using between 200 and 300 units per month will experience the highest increase of Rs7.12 per unit, with the new price set at Rs34.26 per unit.
Those consuming between 301 and 400 units will see an increase of Rs7.02, bringing the rate to Rs39.15 per unit in their August 2024 electricity bills.
For consumers using between 401 and 500 units, the new rate will be Rs41.36 per unit after an increase of Rs6.12. For those consuming between 501 and 600 units, the rate will rise to Rs42.78 per unit, with an increase of Rs6.12.
Consumers using between 601 and 700 units will now pay Rs43.92 per unit, while those using more than 700 units will be charged Rs48.84 per unit, following a hike of Rs6.12.
The government has also introduced new fixed charges for electricity consumers.
