Electricity Bills Expected to Increase in Pakistan in 2026: What Consumers Need to Know

Pakistani households and industries could face higher electricity bills in the coming year as the national power regulator reviews a proposal to raise the country’s power purchase price for fiscal year 2026. The proposed increase could affect energy costs across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

During a public hearing, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) recommended setting the national power purchase price between Rs. 25.69 and Rs. 26.69 per unit. This price serves as a key benchmark for determining consumer tariffs nationwide. Industry representatives warned that approving the proposal could lock Pakistan into another year of high electricity costs, potentially slowing industrial growth.

Nepra Chairman Wasim Mukhtar led the hearing, with CPPA officials defending the proposal based on projected electricity demand, expected fuel costs, and assumptions about the U.S. dollar exchange rate. However, Nepra Member Rafiq Ahmed Sheikh criticized the submission as “incomplete” and questioned the reliability of the underlying data. The regulator confirmed it will consult with industry stakeholders before finalizing the rate.

Business leaders expressed concern about the impact on industrial competitiveness. Rehan Javed of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry stated that the proposal indicates electricity costs are unlikely to decrease, while Tanveer Bari of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged careful consideration of exchange-rate assumptions, noting that even minor rupee depreciation can sharply increase power generation costs.

Nepra will continue evaluating the CPPA’s proposal over the coming weeks, with a final decision on the national power purchase price for FY2026 expected later this year.