PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Bijli Sahulat Package to Ease Winter Electricity Bills
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the Bijli Sahulat Package on Friday, a targeted relief initiative designed to ease the financial burden of electricity bills for Pakistanis over the winter season. This plan, starting in December, will run through the coldest months—January and February—giving consumers reduced per-unit rates.
Breakdown of Bijli Sahulat Benefits
The package is structured to provide:
- Domestic consumers with up to Rs. 26 per unit relief
- Commercial consumers with up to Rs. 22.71 per unit relief
- Industrial consumers with a Rs. 15.05 per unit discount
The relief applies only to usage beyond a specified benchmark—25% more than the same period last year. This strategy encourages additional electricity consumption during the colder months, effectively lowering the cost for higher winter usage.
Rising Power Costs and NEPRA Adjustments
The announcement comes as NEPRA has been asked to implement a rate increase, adding up to Rs. 8.72 billion to the power bills due to adjustments. NEPRA’s hearing on November 20 will evaluate this proposal, which affects all regions, including Karachi. The quarterly adjustment is part of broader efforts to align with rising global energy prices, and it follows prior rate increases.
The Bijli Sahulat Package aims to cushion consumers against this potential rate hike, providing a targeted approach to lower power bills for both residential and business consumers this winter.
