Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has acknowledged a significant increase in Fixed Electricity Charges included in consumers’ power bills.
Speaking during a television interview, the minister said the share of fixed charges in electricity bills has increased over the years. According to him, these charges previously accounted for around 3 to 4 percent of the total bill. However, they now make up nearly 10 percent in many cases.
Leghari explained that these costs remain the same throughout the year. Their impact on consumers, however, depends on how much electricity is used each month. When power consumption is high, the fixed portion appears smaller in comparison to the overall bill. During months of lower usage, the Fixed Electricity Charges become more noticeable.
The minister said the increase does not necessarily mean that all consumers are paying more overall. He noted that several categories of domestic users have received relief through government subsidies and tariff adjustments.
According to Leghari, protected consumers who use up to 200 units of electricity have benefited from lower energy costs. He stated that electricity rates for some residential consumers have decreased due to targeted support measures introduced by the government.
Discussing recent consumption trends, the minister revealed that electricity usage has risen by approximately 7 to 9 percent over the past few months. He said this increase reflects greater demand and changing consumption patterns across the country.
Leghari encouraged the public to review official electricity sector data available on the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) website. He said the information can help consumers better understand billing structures and tariff calculations.
The issue of Fixed Electricity Charges has become a major concern for many households, especially those trying to reduce their monthly electricity expenses. Consumers often question why bills remain high even when electricity usage declines.
The energy minister maintained that the government is continuing efforts to provide relief to domestic consumers. He said authorities are working on subsidy programs and tariff reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on households.
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Despite concerns over rising Fixed Electricity Charges, the government believes current measures will help balance consumer relief with the operational needs of the power sector. Officials say further adjustments may be considered as part of ongoing energy sector reforms.
