ISLAMABAD: Consumers should brace for higher electricity bills from next month, as the government phases out several relief measures introduced under the Prime Minister’s affordable electricity package.
According to sources, the Rs. 1.55 per unit relief under the third quarter adjustment will end by the end of July, following the earlier expiry of a Rs. 4.51 per unit relief, which included Rs. 3.61 per unit relief for Karachi residents.
In June, the government had already withdrawn the Rs. 1.90 per unit relief under the second quarter adjustment, as well as a Rs. 1.71 per unit cut in the petroleum levy.
A 90-paisa per unit Retained Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) concession, available to DISCO consumers, has also ended, further adding to the burden.
While partial relief on quarterly adjustments remains for now, most subsidies will completely expire by August, triggering an inevitable hike in electricity tariffs.
On April 3, the Prime Minister had announced a Rs. 7.41 per unit cut for domestic users, but only Rs. 1.16 per unit base tariff reduction and a 50 paisa cut on monthly adjustments are currently active—both temporary measures.
With rising fuel costs, IMF-mandated reforms, and mounting circular debt, energy experts warn that electricity prices will keep increasing unless structural reforms are introduced.