Govt Considers Expanding Protected Electricity Slab

Electricity consumers across the country may soon receive some relief as the government is weighing a proposal to raise the protected consumption limit from the current 200 units to 300 units.

Proposal Aimed at Addressing Consumer Complaints

The move follows concerns raised by lawmakers during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They highlighted that many households consuming just over 200 units—specifically 201 units—were burdened with an additional Rs. 5,000 on their electricity bills. Lawmakers described this as unfair and disproportionate, urging immediate corrective measures.

Possible Impact if Approved

If the proposal is given the green light, the higher tariff rates would only be applicable to consumers who exceed 300 units of electricity usage. This change is expected to provide significant relief to lower and middle-income households that narrowly exceed the current protected limit.

Review by High-Level Committee

To assess the feasibility of the change, a high-level committee will review the existing classification of protected and non-protected consumers. The committee will prepare and present recommendations for the revised consumption threshold.

The final decision will depend on the outcome of this review and the government’s ability to balance consumer relief with the financial requirements of the power sector.