Govt announces “Bijli Sahulat Package” for winter
The initiative aims to encourage higher consumption during the low-demand winter season
The federal government on Friday announced the “Bijli Sahulat Package” for the winter months from December 2024 to February 2025.
- The package aims to manage seasonal electricity demand and stimulate economic growth during the low-demand winter months
- A flat rate of Rs26.07 per unit will be offered for additional electricity consumption above the benchmark historical average
Prime Minister Shehbaz Shari officially announced the package while addressing an event to honour poet Allama Iqbal on the eve of his birth anniversary.
A three-month electricity relief package – “Bijli Sahulat” package – is intended for consumers in the winter season when the consumption of the basic utility is very low amid high per unit cost.
“The government has decided to provide an electricity relief package on the additional consumption of power for the three months of winter, December, January, and February,” he said
Under the plan, the premier said that a “desirable” reduction is being made in the electricity prices. The electricity relief package would be implemented in “bills from December 2024 to February 2025.”
Benefits for Different Consumers
Domestic Consumers:
- Household consumers can save between Rs11.42 to Rs26 per unit on additional electricity usage
- This makes electricity an attractive option for heating and other energy needs that would typically rely on gas
Industrial Consumers:
- Industries can save Rs5.72 to Rs15 per unit on additional consumption
- This translates to an 18-37% discount on the prevailing tariff rate for industries consuming additional electricity beyond their historical benchmark
Commercial Consumers:
- Commercial users can save Rs13.46 to Rs22 per unit on incremental electricity usage
- This represents a 34-47% saving on additional consumption
Implementation Details
- The discounted rates will only apply to the first 25% of units above the reference benchmark
- Consumption exceeding 25% above the benchmark will be charged at normal government-notified tariffs
