How are electricity bills calculated in Pakistan?
Calculating your utility bill is not as straightforward as multiplying standard unit rates by units consumed. The final payable amount is an accumulation of multiple surcharges and layered tariff slabs.
1. Protective vs Unprotected Slabs
If you use less than 200 units consecutively for 6 months, you are classified under the "Protected" consumer tier, which offers highly subsidized rates. If you cross 200 units in a single month, you immediately lose protected status, triggering a steep jump in the per-unit price.
2. Mandatory Government Taxes
- GST (General Sales Tax): Applied at 18% on the base electricity cost and most surcharges.
- Electricity Duty: A provincial tax typically charged at 1.5%.
- TV License Fee: A fixed flat fee of Rs. 35 per household.
- FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment): This is a variable amount added depending on national raw fuel costs 2-3 months prior.