Fixed Charges Proposed for Protected Consumers After Latest Solar Net-Billing Rules

Lawmakers have suggested imposing fixed electricity charges on protected consumers after the introduction of new solar net metering regulations.

The proposal was presented during a hearing on the Power Division’s request for a revised electricity tariff, held under the chairmanship of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Chairman Waseem Mukhtar.

During the hearing, officials proposed fixed charges for both protected and non-protected domestic consumers, along with a plan to reduce cross-subsidies in the power tariff structure.

Officials from the Power Planning and Monitoring Company informed NEPRA that fixed charges, which were previously applicable only to non-protected consumers using more than 300 units per month, are now being proposed for protected consumers as well.

Under the proposal, protected consumers using up to 100 units per month would face a fixed charge of Rs. 200, while those consuming up to 200 units would be charged Rs. 300 per month.

For non-protected consumers, a fixed charge of Rs. 275 has been proposed for usage of up to 100 units per month, and Rs. 300 for consumption of up to 200 units. Consumers using up to 300 units would face a fixed charge of Rs. 350, while those consuming between 301 and 400 units would be charged Rs. 400.

The proposal also suggests increasing fixed charges for non-protected consumers using 401 to 500 units to Rs. 500. Fixed charges for consumption of 600 units are proposed to be increased by Rs. 75 to Rs. 675.

Meanwhile, fixed charges for consumers using up to 700 units are proposed to be reduced by Rs. 125 to Rs. 675, while charges for consumers using more than 700 units are proposed to be reduced by Rs. 325 to Rs. 675.

NEPRA is expected to review the proposals before determining the revised tariff.