Pakistan Electricity Bills Likely to Increase in 2026

Pakistan may experience higher electricity costs in 2026 as regulators review a proposal that could raise power tariffs across the country. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has submitted its proposed price range for the upcoming fiscal year, signalling that both households and industries should prepare for costlier bills.

The proposal, discussed during a public hearing on Tuesday, recommends setting the national power purchase price between Rs. 25.69 and Rs. 26.69 per unit — a key benchmark that determines what consumers ultimately pay. This hearing marks the start of the annual process for setting the country’s electricity cost structure.

At the hearing, NEPRA Chairman Wasim Mukhtar oversaw the proceedings as CPPA officials defended the higher price estimates, citing factors such as fuel trends, electricity demand projections, and exchange-rate assumptions. However, Member Nepra Rafiq Ahmed Sheikh criticized the submission, calling it “incomplete” and noting that weak data cannot justify burdening consumers with expensive electricity for another year.

Business groups also voiced concerns. FPCCI’s Rehan Javed stated, “electricity will not become cheaper,” warning that rising energy costs are harming industrial competitiveness. KCCI’s Tanveer Bari added, “Even a small depreciation pushes the cost of power generation sharply upward,” urging NEPRA to carefully review dollar-based assumptions.

NEPRA will continue examining CPPA’s proposal and consult with industry stakeholders before announcing the final national power purchase price for FY2026 later this year.