ISLAMABAD – In a significant move aimed at providing relief to low- and middle-income households, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a high-level committee to review and reform the existing “protected consumers” electricity billing policy.
Currently, electricity consumers who use more than 200 units in a month — even by a single unit — lose their “protected” status and face an additional charge of around Rs 5,000 for the next six months. This policy has triggered widespread criticism for being overly punitive, especially for households that exceed the limit by a small margin.
Read More: Punjab Approves Rs. 22 Billion Development Schemes Across Multiple Sectors
According to official sources, the committee is considering increasing the protected usage limit from 200 units to 301 units. If approved, this adjustment could shield thousands of households from sharp tariff hikes and reduce the financial burden on already struggling families.
Another key proposal under discussion is to apply the penalty only in the month the limit is exceeded, rather than maintaining higher charges for half a year. This change could mark a major policy shift in favour of consumers.
The recommendations are expected to be presented to the Federal Cabinet soon. Government officials say the reforms reflect the administration’s commitment to protecting low-income consumers and ensuring a fairer billing system.
Millions of Pakistani electricity users currently benefit from lower rates under the “protected” category. However, even a small increase beyond the 200-unit threshold pushes them into the “non-protected” category, where tariffs rise sharply — a policy many call unjust and in urgent need of revision.
