Concerns Raised as Fixed Charges Increase Electricity Bills by 110%

Mounting public frustration over electricity bills took center stage at a Senate finance committee meeting today, where lawmakers demanded an end to fixed charges that they say are unfairly burdening consumers.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha formally proposed abolishing fixed electricity charges, arguing that consumers are being forced to pay hefty amounts regardless of their actual power usage.

To illustrate the issue, he cited a case where electricity consumption amounted to Rs. 6,200, while fixed charges added another Rs. 6,800 to the bill, effectively increasing the bill by 110 percent.

The senator argued that low-income households are being disproportionately affected, claiming that consumers using around 100 units of electricity are often charged amounts comparable to significantly higher consumption levels.

Committee members described the situation as a growing public grievance and questioned the rationale behind the current billing structure.

Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla said that consumers may eventually be forced to disconnect electricity altogether if fixed charges continue to rise unchecked.

The committee decided to summon officials from the Power Division after the budget process concludes to explain the justification for the charges and address consumer concerns.

The discussion comes as households across Pakistan continue to face pressure from rising utility costs despite relatively modest electricity consumption.