ISLAMABAD: Pakistani households and businesses are bracing for a significant increase in their electricity bills starting in April 2026. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G) has formally requested approval to impose an additional fuel cost charge of Rs1.64 per unit.
Regulatory Request to Bridge Cost Gap
The CPPA-G, acting on behalf of the country’s ex-Wapda power distribution companies, filed the request with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Monday. The proposed adjustment aims to recover the substantial gap between the fuel costs consumers were billed for in February and the actual costs incurred during power generation that month.
According to the filing, the reference fuel cost built into February 2026’s electricity tariffs was Rs6.73 per unit. However, the actual cost of power generation soared to Rs8.37 per unit, creating a shortfall of nearly 25% that now needs to be recovered from consumers.
Nationwide Impact Including K-Electric
If approved by the regulator, this quarterly adjustment charge will apply to all consumers of the national grid. Notably, the surcharge will also be applicable to customers served by K-Electric in Karachi, ensuring a uniform impact across the country’s power consumers.
February’s High-Cost Power Generation
The need for the adjustment stems from February’s power generation data. Total electricity production for the month reached 7,696 gigawatt-hours (GWh) at a total cost of approximately Rs62.75 billion. This translates to an average cost of roughly Rs8.15 per unit, significantly higher than the reference cost passed on to consumers in their bills.
The impending charge represents another financial pressure on consumers amid ongoing economic challenges, with the final decision resting with the national power regulator in the coming days.
