In a move that brings relief to electricity consumers across Pakistan, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced a reduction in power tariffs for the upcoming billing cycle. According to the official notification, electricity prices have been cut by 48 paisa per unit under the fuel price adjustment for September.
This decision comes after the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) had requested a smaller decrease of 37 paisa per unit. NEPRA, however, approved a greater reduction, providing additional relief to consumers. The adjustment will be reflected in November’s electricity bills.
The tariff cut will apply nationwide, including Karachi, but will not extend to lifeline consumers — those who already benefit from subsidized rates on lower consumption slabs.
During the same hearing, NEPRA expressed serious concerns over the large-scale installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters by distribution companies. It was revealed that over four million AMI meters had been installed without obtaining prior regulatory approval. Distribution companies claimed that they acted under the directives of the Power Division, but NEPRA maintained that regulatory consent was mandatory before such a rollout.
NEPRA also pointed out the significant cost difference between conventional meters and AMI meters. While a standard meter costs around Rs 5,000, the new AMI meters are priced at nearly Rs 20,000 each — raising questions about cost transparency and consumer burden. These issues surfaced during the regulator’s hearing on the Multiyear Tariff (MYT) application of Karachi Electric for the financial years 2025–26 to 2029–30.
For the general public, the 48 paisa per unit reduction will provide noticeable relief, especially for households with higher electricity usage. Although the cut may seem minor on a per-unit basis, it translates into meaningful savings when applied to total consumption.
However, the continued exclusion of lifeline consumers from such benefits may spark debate about fairness in Pakistan’s power tariff structure. At the same time, the controversy surrounding the installation of high-cost meters has placed renewed focus on transparency, regulatory oversight, and cost justification within the energy sector.
As the country moves forward, key questions remain: whether further tariff adjustments will follow, how the meter installation issue will be resolved, and what steps will be taken to ensure fair pricing and improved governance in Pakistan’s power system.
