National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved an increase of Rs1.79 per unit in the average base electricity tariff, effective from January 1, 2026, subject to approval by the federal government.
According to media reports, NEPRA issued its decision on the request submitted by power distribution companies (DISCOs) and forwarded it to the federal government for final approval. The revised tariff will be implemented after government notification.
Under the new decision, the national average base electricity tariff has been set at Rs33.38 per unit from January 2026. The current average base tariff stands at Rs31.59 per unit.
NEPRA stated that the newly determined tariff is 62 paisa lower than the previously projected tariff of Rs34 per unit for the fiscal year 2025–26.
In its notification, NEPRA said the total revenue requirement of DISCOs for 2026 has been estimated at Rs3,379 billion. This includes Rs2,923 billion for electricity purchase costs, while Rs456.15 billion has been allocated for distribution companies’ operational expenses and returns.
The regulator estimated total electricity sales for 2026 at 101 billion units.
NEPRA further clarified that separate tariffs have been calculated for each distribution company. However, the uniform national tariff policy remains in place across the country. The authority has also sent its decision regarding the implementation of a uniform tariff to the federal government.
Sources said the increase is part of routine annual tariff determination and will have an impact on consumers once formally approved and notified by the government.
