ISLAMABAD: The federal government has formally notified an average reduction of Rs4.04 per unit in electricity tariffs for industrial consumers, effective from February 11, 2026, while also directing the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to restore contractual rights of existing net-metered solar consumers.
The Power Division announced revised rates across all industrial categories. However, a nominal fixed charge of Rs1,000 per month has been imposed on smaller industrial consumers (B1 category) with loads up to 25kW, similar to fixed charges recently introduced for residential users.
Under the new structure, the average tariff for B1 consumers has been reduced from Rs30.80 per unit to Rs26.03. Off-peak rates have dropped to Rs25.48 from Rs30.05, while peak rates have been slightly reduced to Rs35.74 from Rs36.74 per unit.
For B2 consumers (25–500kW load), the average tariff has been cut to Rs26.16 from Rs30.73 per unit. Off-peak rates now stand at Rs22.83 instead of Rs27.41, and peak rates have been revised to Rs35.68 from Rs36.68 per unit.
Larger B3 industrial consumers connected to 11–33kV lines will pay an average of Rs27 per unit, down from Rs31. Their off-peak rate has been reduced to Rs23.67 from Rs28.24, while peak charges are now Rs35.68 per unit.
The largest B4 category, connected to 66–132kV transmission lines, will see tariffs decline to Rs26.43 per unit from Rs30.43. Peak and off-peak rates have been set at Rs35.68 and Rs27.96 per unit, respectively.
In a parallel development, the government has formally requested Nepra to suspend the withdrawal of contractual benefits for existing solar prosumers. The move follows directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who ordered a review of recent amendments to the Prosumers Regulations 2026 after widespread backlash.
Nepra has invited public comments within 30 days on fresh amendments. The regulator is now considering deleting a controversial clause that had reduced payback rates for existing prosumers from Rs26 per unit to Rs8.13 and shifted them from net metering to net billing.
Under the proposed revision, existing approvals, licences, and agreements would remain valid until completion of their seven-year terms, ensuring that earlier contractual mechanisms and rates are preserved.
Sources indicate that while protections for existing prosumers may be restored, new solar consumers will continue under the updated framework notified on February 9. Under net billing, exported electricity is purchased by distribution companies at the National Average Energy Purchase Price of Rs8.13 per unit, while imported electricity is billed at prevailing grid rates, typically ranging between Rs37 and Rs55 per unit.
The prime minister has also directed that safeguards be introduced to prevent undue financial burden from approximately 466,000 prosumers being shifted onto other grid consumers.
The twin decisions — lowering industrial tariffs and reviewing rooftop solar regulations — signal the government’s effort to balance industrial competitiveness with consumer protection and energy sector sustainability.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
