Electricity bills in Pakistan can feel like a puzzle: units, slabs, fuel adjustments, GST, electricity duty and more. When a bill jumps, it helps to know which part changed. This guide explains how your electricity bill is calculated in plain language, and how to estimate yours with our free Electricity Bill Calculator. Tariffs are set by NEPRA and the government and change regularly, so always check your company’s current rates.
Step 1: Units consumed
Your meter records kilowatt-hours (units). Units this month = current reading − previous reading. One unit is one kilowatt of power used for one hour. A 1,500-watt heater running for 2 hours uses 3 units.
Step 2: Slab rates
Residential tariffs use slabs. The rate per unit depends on how many units you used. Two important categories:
- Protected consumers: households that used 200 units or less in each of the previous six months get lower rates.
- Non-protected consumers: everyone else, with higher rates.
Crossing a slab boundary, especially going above 200 units, can make the bill jump sharply.
Step 3: Fixed and other charges
Depending on your connection and tariff, the bill may include fixed charges, meter rent and service charges.
Step 4: Adjustments
- Fuel charges adjustment (FCA): reflects differences between expected and actual fuel costs.
- Quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA): periodic corrections to tariffs.
These can add a noticeable amount and change month to month.
Step 5: Taxes and duties
General sales tax, electricity duty, TV fee and, in some cases, income tax on high bills for non-filers. Some of these are percentages of the energy charge.
A simplified example
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Units used | 250 |
| Energy charge (slab rates) | calculated by slab |
| Fixed charges | if applicable |
| FCA / QTA | as notified |
| GST and duty | percentage of charges |
Use the calculator to see a full estimate for your company and units.
How to keep the bill down
Read ways to reduce your electricity bill. If you are budgeting household expenses, the Petrol Cost Calculator helps with fuel, and the Percentage Calculator shows how much a bill has risen month on month.
Frequently asked questions
How is the electricity bill calculated?
Units consumed are charged at slab rates, then fixed charges, adjustments and taxes are added.
What is a protected consumer?
A household that used 200 units or less in each of the last six months.
Why did my bill jump suddenly?
Crossing a slab, losing protected status or a fuel adjustment are common reasons.