New Strict Billing Rules for Protected Electricity Consumers

Protected electricity consumers in Pakistan could face higher bills under a new strict billing policy that makes the 200-unit consumption threshold non-negotiable. Consumers who exceed this limit by even a single unit risk losing their benefits, with officials instructed to enforce these rules without exception.

The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has introduced these strict new billing instructions for protected consumers. Under the newly issued policy, FESCO has directed all billing offices that no correction or revision will be allowed if a protected consumer’s recorded electricity consumption exceeds 200 units, even marginally. The company has ordered its officials to implement this policy without any exceptions.

FESCO has also warned its officers and billing staff that negligence in the billing process will not be tolerated, and any official found responsible for carelessness or errors will face disciplinary action. The utility further clarified that a protected consumer who exceeds the 200-unit threshold even once during a six-month period will lose their protected consumer status. Once this category is withdrawn, the consumer will no longer be eligible for subsidized electricity rates and will instead be billed under the applicable regular tariff, resulting in significantly higher electricity charges.

All concerned offices have been instructed to ensure that no relaxation or concession is granted regarding the 200-unit ceiling and that the revised billing policy is enforced in full. This decision is seen as a crucial development for protected consumers, as even the slightest breach of the 200-unit limit can now directly affect both their electricity bill and the tariff category under which they are charged. Consumers are now expected to monitor their electricity usage more carefully to avoid losing subsidized rates, which for those under 200 units are currently between Rs 8 to 13 per unit.