The federal government has decided not to reduce the base electricity tariff across Pakistan, keeping power rates unchanged for the year 2026.
According to officials from the Power Division, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) had earlier approved a reduction of Rs. 0.62 per unit in the base tariff for 2026 and forwarded its decision to the federal government. However, the government has opted not to implement the reduction, meaning the base tariff will remain in place nationwide.
What NEPRA Approved
Power Division officials said NEPRA had approved lowering the base electricity tariff from Rs. 34 to Rs. 33.38 per unit for 2026. The decision followed a hearing on the government’s request for a uniform electricity tariff across the country.
The Power Division had formally submitted an application to NEPRA seeking approval for a nationwide uniform tariff. While NEPRA accepted the request and approved the reduction, the final implementation authority rests with the federal government.
Why Tariffs Will Remain Unchanged
Officials stated that the federal government is already providing subsidies on electricity, and therefore decided to keep tariffs stable. They clarified that there will be no increase or decrease in electricity prices for consumers under the base tariff for 2026.
According to official data:
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Pakistan’s installed power generation capacity stands at 36,397 megawatts
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Dependence on imported fuel has dropped to 26%
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The number of protected electricity consumers has increased
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Electricity consumers are receiving Rs. 629 billion in subsidies
Consumer Impact
While the decision means no immediate relief in base power rates, authorities say the subsidy mechanism will continue to cushion consumers from higher costs.
Officials added that maintaining tariff stability is aimed at balancing fiscal pressure while ensuring uninterrupted power supply across the national grid.
