PM Shehbaz unveils three-month electricity relief package

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a three-month electricity relief package on Friday aimed at reducing power costs for consumers during the low-demand winter months of December, January, and February.

The package offers household consumers a flat rate of Rs26.07 per unit for any additional electricity usage.

Domestic consumers exceeding 200 units in the protected category will receive discounts of up to Rs26.7 per unit, depending on their usage, with savings ranging from Rs11.42 to Rs26 per unit.

Industrial consumers will see a reduction in electricity charges by Rs5.27 to Rs15.5 per unit, which translates into savings of 18-37%.

Commercial consumers will benefit from a subsidy of Rs13.46 to Rs22.71 per unit, offering discounts between 34% and 47%.

In his announcement, PM Shehbaz emphasized that the package is part of the government’s broader economic strategy to stimulate growth in agriculture, industry, business, and exports.

He thanked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for granting approval for the relief package and praised his cabinet and officials for their efforts in implementing the initiative.

The Prime Minister also highlighted recent economic successes, including a record-high foreign remittance inflow of $8 billion during the first quarter of the fiscal year.

He noted a reduction in inflation to 6.7% and a decrease in the policy interest rate to 15%, expressing optimism that these improvements would foster further investment and economic development.

The Power Division confirmed the details of the relief package in a statement, noting that the reduced rates would apply to all domestic, commercial, and industrial electricity consumers. The move is intended to manage seasonal demand while supporting economic activity.

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent decision by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), which reduced electricity charges by Rs1.28 per unit for September’s fuel price adjustments.