Is Government Finally ending PTV Fee from Electricity Bills?

ISLAMABAD – In a sweeping move to alleviate mounting public frustration over soaring utility costs, the Pakistani government slashed electricity prices by an average of Rs7.41 per unit on Thursday, offering immediate relief to households and businesses battered by inflation.

Key Reforms at a Glance:

• Domestic rates reduced by Rs7.15/unit (from Rs45.05 to Rs37.64)
• Commercial sectors save Rs8.58/unit (down to Rs62.47 from Rs71.06)
• Industrial users cut Rs7.69/unit (now Rs40.51)
• Agricultural and bulk supply tariffs trimmed by Rs7.18/unit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announcing the measures, framed them as “the first phase of structural reforms” to curb living costs. The cuts come weeks after protests erupted nationwide over inflated power bills, particularly in Punjab and Karachi, where middle- and working-class families reported spending up to 40% of monthly income on utilities.

In a parallel decision, the government confirmed plans to eliminate the contentious Rs35/month PTV fee embedded in electricity bills—a charge levied since the 1990s to fund state broadcaster Pakistan Television. The fee, applied to all 42.6 million power consumers, annually generated Rs1.5 billion but drew ire as redundant in the digital age.

Electricity Relief