MEPCO Tariff Rates 2026: Complete Guide to Electricity Unit Prices & Slabs
Understanding MEPCO electricity tariff rates is crucial for every consumer in South Punjab. With frequent adjustments by NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority), staying updated on the latest 2026 rates helps you budget accurately and identify opportunities to save on your monthly electricity bill.
This comprehensive guide covers all MEPCO tariff categories including domestic (residential), commercial, industrial, and agricultural rates, along with an explanation of additional charges like FPA, QTA, and taxes.
📢 Important Notice
Tariff rates are subject to change based on NEPRA determinations. The rates mentioned here are based on the latest NEPRA notification dated January 2026. Always verify your exact rate from your electricity bill.
Understanding Tariff Categories
Before diving into the rates, it's important to understand how MEPCO categorizes consumers:
- Tariff A-1: Domestic (Residential) consumers
- Tariff A-2: Commercial consumers (shops, offices, clinics)
- Tariff A-3: General Services (government buildings, street lights)
- Tariff B-1: Industrial (Small - up to 25 kW)
- Tariff B-2: Industrial (Medium - 25 kW to 500 kW)
- Tariff B-3: Industrial (Large - above 500 kW)
- Tariff B-4: Industrial Peak/Off-Peak (Time of Use)
- Tariff C: Bulk Supply
- Tariff D: Agricultural Tube Wells
Domestic Tariff A-1 (Residential)
The domestic tariff is divided into two main categories based on your consumption history over the last 6 months:
Protected Consumers (Monthly Average ≤ 200 Units)
Protected consumers receive government-subsidized rates. To qualify, your average monthly consumption over the past 6 billing cycles must be 200 units or less.
| Consumption Slab | Variable Rate (PKR/kWh) | Fixed Charges (PKR/kW/Month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 100 Units | 7.74 | Nil |
| 101 - 200 Units | 10.06 | Nil |
Non-Protected Consumers (Monthly Average > 200 Units)
If your 6-month average exceeds 200 units, you're classified as Non-Protected and pay higher rates across all consumption slabs.
| Consumption Slab | Variable Rate (PKR/kWh) | Fixed Charges (PKR/kW/Month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 100 Units | 16.48 | 75 |
| 101 - 200 Units | 22.95 | 75 |
| 201 - 300 Units | 27.14 | 150 |
| 301 - 400 Units | 32.03 | 175 |
| 401 - 500 Units | 35.24 | 350 |
| 501 - 600 Units | 36.66 | 400 |
| 601 - 700 Units | 37.80 | 400 |
| Above 700 Units | 42.72 | 400 |
💡 Bill Calculation Example
Non-Protected consumer using 350 units:
First 100 units: 100 × 16.48 = PKR 1,648
Next 100 units (101-200): 100 × 22.95 = PKR 2,295
Next 100 units (201-300): 100 × 27.14 = PKR 2,714
Last 50 units (301-350): 50 × 32.03 = PKR 1,602
Fixed Charges: 175
Sub-total: PKR 8,434 (before FPA, taxes, and other charges)
Commercial Tariff A-2
Commercial connections include shops, offices, private clinics, and other business establishments. The rates are significantly higher than domestic rates.
| Category | Variable Rate (PKR/kWh) | Fixed Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 kW (Sanctioned Load) | 39.50 | Nil |
| Above 5 kW (Off-Peak) | 36.45 | PKR 440/kW/Month |
| Above 5 kW (Peak) | 41.35 | PKR 440/kW/Month |
Industrial Tariffs
Industrial consumers are categorized based on sanctioned load and have options for Time-of-Use (ToU) metering which can provide significant savings.
B-1: Small Industry (Up to 25 kW)
| Time Period | Variable Rate (PKR/kWh) | Fixed Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (Non-ToU) | 31.52 | PKR 350/kW/Month |
| Peak Hours (ToU) | 36.30 | PKR 350/kW/Month |
| Off-Peak Hours (ToU) | 27.85 | PKR 350/kW/Month |
B-2: Medium Industry (25 kW - 500 kW)
| Time Period | Variable Rate (PKR/kWh) | Fixed Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours | 34.68 | PKR 380/kW/Month |
| Off-Peak Hours | 26.42 | PKR 380/kW/Month |
B-3: Large Industry (Above 500 kW)
| Time Period | Variable Rate (PKR/kWh) | Fixed Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours | 33.25 | PKR 400/kW/Month |
| Off-Peak Hours | 25.18 | PKR 400/kW/Month |
Agricultural Tariff D (Tube Wells)
Agricultural tube well connections have special rates to support farmers. These apply to SCARP (Salinity Control and Reclamation Project) and private tube wells used for irrigation.
| Category | Variable Rate (PKR/kWh) | Fixed Charges |
|---|---|---|
| SCARP Tube Wells | 14.85 | PKR 200/kW/Month |
| Private Agricultural (Off-Peak) | 13.45 | PKR 200/kW/Month |
| Private Agricultural (Peak) | 16.20 | PKR 200/kW/Month |
Additional Charges on Your Bill
The tariff rates above are base rates. Your actual bill includes several additional charges:
Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA)
FPA is a monthly charge/credit that adjusts for the difference between reference fuel costs in the base tariff and actual fuel costs incurred by power plants. It's calculated by NEPRA and can be:
- Positive FPA: Added to your bill when actual fuel costs exceed reference costs
- Negative FPA: Deducted from your bill when actual fuel costs are lower
FPA typically ranges from -PKR 3 to +PKR 8 per unit depending on global oil, gas, and coal prices.
Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA)
QTA covers the gap between projected and actual power purchase costs, transmission/distribution losses, and operating expenses. This is reviewed and applied every quarter.
Taxes and Surcharges
- Electricity Duty: 1.5% of the electricity charges (provincial tax)
- GST: 0% for consumption up to 300 units, 18% for above 300 units
- Income Tax (for commercial/industrial): Collected as per FBR rates
- TV Fee: PKR 35/month for PTV
- FC Surcharge: Financing cost surcharge for power sector debts
- Neelum Jhelum Surcharge: PKR 0.10/unit for dam construction
Rate Comparison: 2025 vs 2026
The following table shows how domestic rates have changed from 2025 to 2026:
| Slab | 2025 Rate (PKR) | 2026 Rate (PKR) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protected 1-100 | 7.50 | 7.74 | +3.2% |
| Protected 101-200 | 9.84 | 10.06 | +2.2% |
| Non-Protected 301-400 | 30.50 | 32.03 | +5.0% |
| Non-Protected Above 700 | 40.15 | 42.72 | +6.4% |
Tips to Reduce Your MEPCO Bill
- Stay in Protected Category: Keep your 6-month average consumption at or below 200 units to benefit from subsidized rates. This can save you 50-60% compared to Non-Protected rates.
- Use Time-of-Use Metering: If you have ToU, shift heavy appliance usage (washing machine, iron, water pump) to off-peak hours (10 PM - 6 AM) for 25-30% lower rates.
- Invest in Inverter Technology: Inverter ACs, refrigerators, and fans use 30-50% less electricity than conventional models.
- Consider Solar Net Metering: With MEPCO's net metering program, you can offset your consumption with solar generation and even earn credits.
- Monitor Your Consumption: Use our Bill Calculator to track estimated costs and identify high-consumption periods.
💰 Potential Savings
A household consuming 400 units monthly as Non-Protected pays approximately PKR 11,000-13,000. By reducing consumption to 200 units (Protected), the bill drops to approximately PKR 1,800-2,200 - a savings of over 80%!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current MEPCO electricity rates for 2026?
For Protected consumers (up to 200 units monthly), rates are PKR 7.74 for 1-100 units and PKR 10.06 for 101-200 units. Non-Protected consumers pay higher rates starting from PKR 16.48 for the first 100 units, increasing progressively up to PKR 42.72 for consumption above 700 units.
What is Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) and how does it affect my bill?
FPA is a monthly adjustment approved by NEPRA to account for the difference between reference fuel costs and actual fuel costs incurred by power plants. It can be positive (adding to your bill) or negative (reducing your bill). FPA typically ranges from -PKR 3 to +PKR 8 per unit depending on global fuel prices.
What is the difference between Protected and Non-Protected consumers?
Protected consumers are those whose average monthly consumption over the last 6 months is 200 units or less. They receive subsidized rates. Non-Protected consumers exceed this threshold and pay higher, unsubsidized rates across all slabs. The categorization is reassessed every 6 months.
Why does my electricity bill change every month even with the same consumption?
Your bill fluctuates due to: 1) Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) which changes monthly based on fuel costs, 2) Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA), 3) Yearly Tariff Adjustment (YTA), and 4) seasonal tariff changes. Even with identical consumption, these adjustments can cause variations of PKR 500-3,000.
How can I check my current MEPCO bill online?
You can check your MEPCO bill online using our MEPCO Bill Checker. Simply enter your 14-digit reference number to view your current bill, payment history, and consumption details.
Related Resources
- Protected vs Non-Protected Tariffs: Complete Comparison
- How Electricity Tariffs Work in Pakistan
- 10 Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
- How to Read Your Electricity Bill
- Electricity Bill Calculator
📊 Check Your Bill Now
Use our MEPCO Online Bill Checker to view your current bill and verify the rates being applied to your consumption.