1 Unit Electricity Price in Pakistan 2026 – Latest Rates and Updates
Electricity is used every day in homes, offices, and shops. In Pakistan, the price of electricity depends on how much you use. In 2026, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) updated electricity rates, and many people want to know the latest per-unit prices and how bills are calculated.
This guide explains:
- What 1 unit of electricity is
- How electricity pricing works in Pakistan
- Updated per-unit rates for 2026
- Why electricity prices change
- Tips to save money
All information is based on official updates and verified sources.
What Is 1 Unit of Electricity?
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). In Pakistan and other countries:
1 Unit = 1 kWh
This means:
- If you use a 1000-watt appliance for 1 hour, you consume 1 unit.
- If you use a 100-watt bulb for 10 hours, that is also 1 unit.
Knowing your electricity usage in units helps you understand your bill. The more units you use, the higher your electricity bill will be.
How Electricity Pricing Works in Pakistan
Electricity prices are set by NEPRA. They check how much it costs to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity and decide how much people should pay per unit.
Pricing depends on:
- Production costs (fuel, power plants)
- Transmission and distribution costs
- Government rules and policies
- Slab system (different rates for low and high usage)
Slab System Explained
Pakistan uses a slab system for household electricity:
- Lifeline users (low usage) pay very low rates.
- Protected users (small households with moderate usage) pay slightly more.
- Non-protected users (high electricity use) pay the highest per-unit rates.
This system ensures that people who use less electricity pay less, and heavy users pay more.
Updated Electricity Rates Per Unit in 2026
NEPRA approved a uniform national tariff effective from January 1, 2026. This means the basic per-unit price is the same across Pakistan, though taxes and fuel adjustments can change the final bill.
Here are the updated 2026 rates:
| Consumption Category | Rate per Unit (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Lifeline up to 50 units | 3.95 |
| Lifeline 51–100 units | 7.74 |
| Protected 1–100 units | 10.54 |
| Protected 101–200 units | 13.01 |
| Non-Protected 1–100 units | 22.44 |
| Non-Protected 101–200 units | 28.91 |
| 201–300 units | 33.10 |
| 301–400 units | 37.99 |
| 401–500 units | 40.22 |
| 501–600 units | 41.62 |
| 601–700 units | 42.76 |
| Above 700 units | 47.69 |
| National average basic tariff | 33.38 |
Key points:
- Low usage households pay very little per unit.
- Higher usage households pay more per unit.
- National average price is about Rs 33.38/unit.
- Taxes, surcharges, and fuel price adjustments can increase the final bill.
Example: Calculating Your Electricity Bill
Suppose a household uses 300 units in one month. Here’s a simple calculation:
300 units × Rs 33.10 (average slab rate) = Rs 9,930
⚠️ Note: Actual bills may be higher because:
- Taxes (GST, provincial taxes)
- Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA)
- Other government charges
So your final bill may be higher than the simple multiplication.
Why Electricity Prices Change
Electricity rates can change every year because of:
- Fuel Costs – Electricity is made using gas, coal, or furnace oil. If fuel prices rise, electricity prices go up. If fuel falls, rates may decrease.
- Capacity Charges – Power producers charge fees to keep production capacity ready. This affects total electricity cost.
- Government Policies – Rules may change to provide relief, adjust tariffs, or make prices uniform nationwide.
- Taxes – GST and provincial taxes increase the final bill.
- Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) – NEPRA adjusts monthly bills according to fuel price changes, temporarily increasing or decreasing rates.
Understanding Household Slabs
Lifeline and Protected Users
- Lifeline: Very low usage (up to 100 units) → Lowest per-unit rates.
- Protected: Small to medium households → Affordable rates for basic needs.
Non-Protected Users
- Households using more electricity (over 100 units) pay higher rates per unit.
- This encourages people to use electricity efficiently.
Tips to Save Electricity and Reduce Bills
Electricity bills can be high, but some simple steps can help you save:
- Use Energy-Efficient Appliances – LED lights, energy-efficient fans, and appliances save electricity.
- Switch Off When Not in Use – Turn off lights, TV, AC, and fans when not needed.
- Avoid Peak Hour Use – Using heavy appliances at night or non-peak hours can reduce cost (if your meter allows).
- Install Solar Panels – Using solar energy reduces dependency on the grid.
- Regular Maintenance – Clean appliances, maintain ACs and refrigerators for efficiency.
Future Outlook
Electricity pricing in Pakistan may continue to change because:
- Power demand is increasing
- Fuel import costs may rise
- Government policies may change
- Renewable energy is being promoted
Having a uniform national tariff makes bills more predictable for consumers.
Final Summary
In 2026, Pakistan’s electricity price per unit is based on a slab system:
- Low usage households pay less (Lifeline & Protected slabs).
- High usage households pay more (Non-Protected slabs).
- National average per unit is about Rs 33.38.
Tips for reducing bills: use energy-efficient appliances, switch off unused devices, and follow good electricity habits.
Understanding the unit system and slab rates helps families plan monthly electricity expenses and avoid surprises.
Electricity bills may also vary due to taxes, fuel adjustments, and other charges, but being careful with usage can save money.
