Quick Answer: In Pakistan for FY 2026–2027, domestic electricity tariffs are determined by whether a household qualifies as Protected (≤200 units for 6 consecutive months) or Unprotected. Protected consumers pay subsidized rates of Rs. 13.75 to Rs. 16.80 per unit with zero fixed charges. Exceeding 200 units in even one month triggers Unprotected slabs (Rs. 24.50 to Rs. 51.50 per unit) plus fixed charges and 18% GST. On 340 units under LESCO/IESCO/K-Electric, base energy is PKR 12,230, taxes and surcharges (18% GST, FPA, FC Surcharge) add PKR 5,850, yielding an estimated total bill of PKR 18,280 (effective rate: Rs. 53.76/unit). To calculate your exact DISCO bill breakdown, use our free Pakistan Electricity Bill & Unit Slab Calculator.
The Anatomy of a Pakistani Electricity Bill: Beyond the Meter Units
For millions of electricity consumers across Pakistan served by LESCO, IESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, GEPCO, PESCO, and K-Electric, monthly electricity bills often seem confusing. A common frustration is why a bill doubles when consumption increases by only 20% or 30%.
The answer lies in NEPRA's steep progressive tariff structure combined with the Protected vs. Unprotected consumer cliff and compounding statutory taxes (GST, Electricity Duty, Fuel Price Adjustment, and Financing Cost Surcharges).
Protected vs. Unprotected Consumers: The 200-Unit Cliff
NEPRA divides domestic consumers into two groups:
1. Protected Consumers (Subsidized Lifeline)
A domestic consumer is classified as Protected if their monthly consumption has remained at or below 200 units for the past 6 consecutive billing cycles. Protected consumers receive heavy federal power subsidies:
- 1 to 100 Units: Rs. 13.75 / kWh
- 101 to 200 Units: Rs. 16.80 / kWh
- Fixed Charges: Rs. 0
2. Unprotected Consumers (Standard Tariffs)
If consumption exceeds 200 units (even 201 units) in any single billing month, the connection loses protected status and shifts to non-subsidized slabs:
| Unprotected Tariff Slab | Base Unit Rate (PKR) | Fixed Monthly Charge | Typical Appliances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 100 Units | Rs. 24.50 | Rs. 0 | LED lights, 2 fans |
| 101 to 200 Units | Rs. 30.10 | Rs. 0 | Refrigerator + 3 fans |
| 201 to 300 Units | Rs. 36.20 | Rs. 0 | Water motor + washing machine |
| 301 to 400 Units | Rs. 41.50 | Rs. 200 | 1 Inverter AC (6 hrs/day) |
| 401 to 500 Units | Rs. 44.80 | Rs. 400 | 1 AC (12 hrs/day) |
| 501 to 600 Units | Rs. 46.20 | Rs. 600 | 2 Inverter ACs |
| 601 to 700 Units | Rs. 47.90 | Rs. 600 | 2-3 ACs + Deep Freezer |
| Above 700 Units | Rs. 51.50 | Rs. 600 | Full domestic luxury load |
Worked Example: Real Bill Breakdown (350 Units Unprotected)
Let us calculate the exact payable bill for a household consuming 350 units under LESCO:
Calculate Your Exact DISCO Electricity Bill
Test different unit consumption levels, check protected vs. unprotected rates, and see your itemized bill receipt in real time.
Open Electricity Bill Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I regain Protected Consumer status?
To regain protected status, your electricity meter consumption must remain at or below 200 units for 6 continuous billing months. On the 7th month, NEPRA systems automatically restore subsidized billing rates.
What is the Financing Cost (FC) Surcharge?
The Financing Cost surcharge is a statutory fee of Rs. 3.23 per unit collected across all domestic electricity consumers to service debt in the national power transmission grid.
Does K-Electric use the same slabs as WAPDA DISCOs?
Yes. NEPRA enforces a uniform national base tariff across K-Electric (Karachi) and all WAPDA power distribution companies (LESCO, IESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, GEPCO).
How much does 1 inverter AC add to a monthly bill in Pakistan?
A 1.5-ton DC inverter AC running 8 hours daily at 26°C consumes approximately 160 to 200 units monthly, adding roughly PKR 8,000 to 11,000 to your total monthly electricity bill.