ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s electricity consumption increased by 3.5% during December 2025 to February 2026, driven largely by higher industrial usage under the government’s surplus power initiative, according to the Power Division.
Officials stated that the Surplus Power Package has significantly boosted demand from industrial and agricultural sectors, which together consumed an additional 2,164 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity over the three-month period. This accounts for 23% of total electricity supplied to these sectors, reflecting strong uptake of the initiative.
Launched in December 2025 under a special initiative of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the package offers electricity at a concessional rate of Rs22.98 per unit for incremental consumption, aimed at supporting industry and agriculture.
The scheme has delivered notable financial relief, with industrial consumers saving Rs19.6 billion and agricultural users saving Rs1.14 billion — bringing total savings to Rs20.83 billion.
Among industrial categories, B3 consumers recorded the highest savings at Rs8.76 billion, followed by B2 (Rs5.34 billion), B4 (Rs4.02 billion), and B1 (Rs1.48 billion). Participation levels were also strong, with 67% of B4 industries availing the package, followed by 52% in B3, 48% in B2, and 43% in B1. Around 34% of agricultural consumers also benefited from the initiative.
In terms of electricity consumption share, B1 industries led with 27%, followed by B4 (25%), B2 (24%), B3 (22%), and agriculture (21%).
The Power Division highlighted that January and February 2026 recorded year-on-year growth of 12% and 11%, respectively, indicating a clear shift by industries toward cost-effective grid electricity instead of expensive self-generation.
Officials described the rising demand as a positive signal for economic recovery and energy sector stability, adding that the initiative aims to optimise surplus generation capacity while sustaining industrial growth and reducing overall energy costs.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
