Pakistan’s Power Division on November 8 introduced the “Bijli Sahulat” package, a power relief initiative aimed at lowering electricity costs and stimulating economic growth through increased energy use during the low-demand winter season.
The program offers reduced electricity rates to domestic, commercial, and industrial users from December 2024 through February 2025.
A statement from the Power Division detailed that the new flat rate of Rs26.07 per unit will apply to any additional electricity consumption above each user’s historical average.
“This will allow industries, commercial establishments, and households to achieve substantial savings compared to current tariffs,” the statement added. The discounted rate, however, only covers the first 25% above the benchmark, with further increments being charged at standard government-notified rates.
For industries, the package promises an 18-37% discount on extra electricity used beyond the historical benchmark, an initiative aimed at driving productivity. The government emphasized its commitment to promoting industrial and commercial activity to boost economic growth, as well as household affordability, by reducing reliance on gas for heating.
The Power Division also pledged ongoing efforts to introduce additional schemes to enhance electricity use, underscoring the government’s strategy to foster economic advancement.
Power Minister Awais Khan Leghari announced the package on social media, calling it a “special discount” designed to cut electricity expenses while supporting economic progress.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a three-month relief package, offering up to Rs26.7 per unit in savings for domestic consumers, Rs15.5 for industrial users, and Rs22.71 for commercial consumers.
Addressing an audience on November 9 during an event for Allama Iqbal’s birth anniversary, he specified that domestic users exceeding 200 units will save between Rs11.42 to Rs26 per unit, while the industrial and commercial sectors will benefit from 18-37% and 34-47% savings, respectively.
In a related development, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) recently announced an Rs1.28 per unit decrease in electricity charges following September fuel cost adjustments. However, Nepra had earlier approved a temporary rate increase of Rs1.743 per unit from September to November to support ex-Wapda distribution companies with an infusion of Rs43.23 billion.