Electricity bills in Pakistan can feel like a mystery. Every month, consumers across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal open their IESCO bills and struggle to understand the numbers. Different charges appear, rates seem to change without warning, and the final amount often surprises people.

Understanding the iesco tariff rate is not just about satisfying curiosity. It directly affects how much you pay for running your fans, lights, air conditioners, and refrigerators. When you know how the tariff works, you gain control over your monthly expenses. Small changes in when and how you use electricity can lead to real savings.

Power tariffs in Pakistan do not stay fixed. NEPRA announces quarterly adjustments. Fuel charges change based on global oil prices. The government adds or removes subsidies. All these factors make the iesco tariff 2026 different from previous years. Keeping up with these updates helps you plan your household budget better.

This guide covers everything you need to know. From official notified rates to practical tips on peak and off peak hours iesco, we explain it all in simple words. Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or someone planning to install solar panels, you will find clear answers here.

Official IESCO Tariff 2026 – Latest Notified Rates

Who Decides the Tariff?

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) determines electricity tariffs for all distribution companies in Pakistan, including IESCO. NEPRA is an independent regulator that ensures rates are fair and justifiable for both consumers and power companies .

Every tariff change goes through a formal process. NEPRA holds hearings, reviews petitions from power companies, considers consumer feedback, and then issues official notifications. These notifications are public documents available on the NEPRA website under NEPRA | Tariff Distribution IESCO .

Base Tariff Versus Applied Tariff

There is an important distinction between what NEPRA determines and what consumers actually pay.

The base tariff is the rate NEPRA calculates based on power generation costs, transmission expenses, and distribution company margins. This is the technical rate that reflects the actual cost of supplying electricity.

The applied tariff is what appears on your bill. The federal government sometimes provides subsidies to keep consumer rates lower than the base tariff. Other times, additional surcharges may increase the applied rate above the base determination .

Protected Versus Non-Protected Consumers

The protected consumer iesco category exists to shield low-usage households from high tariffs. Understanding this distinction is essential because it directly affects your per-unit cost.

Who qualifies as a protected consumer?

• Your average monthly consumption does not exceed 200 units over the past twelve months
• Your annual consumption stays below specific limits set by NEPRA
• You have a residential connection with sanctioned load up to 5 kW

Protected status matters because these consumers pay significantly lower rates for the first several hundred units. The government subsidizes these rates to make electricity affordable for households with modest consumption.

Non-protected consumers pay higher per-unit rates starting from the very first unit. Once your consumption crosses the protected threshold consistently, you lose the subsidy benefit .

Tariff Categories for 2026

IESCO serves different types of consumers, each with its own tariff structure.

Domestic (Protected) up to 300 units:

These consumers benefit from subsidized rates. The per-unit charge increases gradually as consumption rises, but remains lower than non-protected rates throughout the slab structure.

Domestic (Non-Protected) above 300 units:

Once consumption exceeds 300 units regularly, consumers fall into the non-protected category. These households pay higher rates across all slabs. Time of Use (ToU) metering becomes applicable for many consumers in this category, meaning peak hour usage costs even more.

Commercial consumers:

Small shops, offices, and businesses fall under commercial tariffs. These rates are generally higher than residential rates. Commercial consumers with Time of Use meters pay different rates for peak and off-peak periods.

Industrial consumers:

Factories and manufacturing units have separate tariff categories. General industrial supply and bulk industrial supply have different rate structures. Time of Use options are available and often beneficial for industries that can shift production to off-peak hours.

Agricultural consumers:

Tube wells and farming operations have dedicated agricultural tariffs. These rates are often subsidized to support the farming sector.

Bulk supply consumers:

Housing societies, commercial plazas, and apartment buildings that take supply at a single point for distribution to multiple users fall under bulk supply tariffs.

Current IESCO Tariff Rates Table 2026

Based on NEPRA’s A-1 residential tariff framework, here are the latest per-unit charges. Note that these are base rates and actual bills may include additional adjustments .

Consumer Category	Units Slab	Per Unit Rate (Rs./kWh)
Protected (Life Line)	Up to 50	3.95
Protected (Life Line)	01 – 100	7.74
Protected	001 – 100	10.54
Protected	101 – 200	13.01
Non-Protected	1 – 100	22.44
Non-Protected	101 – 200	28.91
Non-Protected	201 – 300	33.10
Non-Protected	301 – 400	37.99
Non-Protected	401 – 500	40.20
Non-Protected	501 – 600	41.62
Non-Protected	601 – 700	42.76
Non-Protected	Above 700	47.69

Fixed monthly charges:

• Single-phase connections: Rs. 75 per month
• Three-phase connections: Rs. 150 per month

Understanding Peak Hours Timing and Their Impact

What Is Time of Use Metering?

Time of Use (ToU) metering is a system where electricity costs different amounts depending on when you consume it. The day is divided into two periods: peak hours when demand is high, and off-peak hours when demand is low .

During peak hours, thousands of homes and businesses run heavy appliances simultaneously. Air conditioners, heaters, irons, water motors, and kitchen appliances all operate together. This high demand forces the power system to use expensive generation sources. The higher cost passes on to consumers through higher per-unit rates during these hours .

Off-peak hours cover the rest of the day. Demand falls as people sleep or go to work. The grid stabilizes, and cheaper generation sources meet the reduced demand. Consumers benefit from lower rates during these periods.

Save money by shifting your heavy load to peak and off peak hours IESCO as mentioned in our guide.

IESCO Peak Hours Timing 2026

IESCO divides the year into four seasons based on weather patterns and daylight duration. Each season has different peak hours because electricity usage patterns change with temperature and sunlight .

Summer (June – August): 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Summer brings extreme heat. Air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators work hardest during evening hours when people return home from work. Humidity remains high, and homes stay active late into the night. These four hours are the most expensive of the year .

Spring (March – May): 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Spring weather balances warm days with cool evenings. Sunset comes later, and household activity rises before bedtime. Air conditioners may run during early evening hours before temperatures drop.

Autumn (September – November): 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

After monsoon season ends, humidity lingers for weeks. Temperature swings between warm afternoons and cool evenings keep consumption elevated during early evening hours.

Winter (December – February): 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Winter brings shorter days and earlier sunsets. Homes start using lights, heaters, geysers, and kitchen appliances earlier. Peak hours shift to accommodate this earlier demand. Heating loads make these hours expensive despite lower overall consumption than summer .

Off-Peak Advantage

Off-peak hours cover the remaining twenty hours each day. These long windows offer significantly cheaper electricity rates. Consumers with smart meters or Time of Use meters benefit directly from shifting consumption into these periods .

The difference between peak and off-peak rates can be substantial. Running the same appliance during off-peak hours instead of peak hours can cut its electricity cost by nearly half in some tariff categories.

Practical Savings Tips

Small changes in daily routines lead to real savings on your IESCO bill .

Air conditioner usage:

Run your AC during late morning and early afternoon hours when solar heat is highest but peak rates have not started. Once evening peak hours begin, consider raising the thermostat temperature or switching to fans.

Washing machine and iron:

Do laundry during daytime hours. Iron clothes in the morning rather than evening. These tasks consume significant power and shifting them avoids expensive peak rates.

Water motor operation:

Run your water motor early in the morning or during afternoon hours. Avoid evening peak periods when every unit costs more.

Heater and geyser use:

Winter heating creates heavy demand. Run geysers during daytime and let insulated tanks retain heat for evening use. This reduces the need for heating during expensive peak hours.

Kitchen appliances:

Microwaves, ovens, and electric kettles consume substantial power. Use them during off-peak hours whenever possible. Prepare meals earlier in the day and reheat if needed during evening hours.

If you are tired of high bills, you can calculate your appliance load here to see which device is the main culprit.

IESCO 3 Phase Meter Tariff and Connection Costs

Revised Meter Fees

IESCO has significantly increased meter installation charges in recent years. These fees cover the fixed costs of connecting households and businesses to the electric grid, including service lines, poles, and metering equipment .

Single-phase meter connection costs vary based on service line length :

• Up to 20 meters: Rs. 8,500
• Above 20 meters up to 30 meters: Rs. 10,500
• Above 30 meters up to 40 meters: Rs. 11,500
• Above 40 meters up to 100 meters: Rs. 11,000 plus Rs. 800 per additional meter
• Above 100 meters up to 160 meters: Rs. 60,000 plus Rs. 1,000 per additional meter

The iesco 3 phase meter tariff follows a similar structure but with higher base charges due to the more complex equipment and infrastructure required. Three-phase connections need heavier service cables, different meter panels, and additional safety equipment.

For a standard three-phase connection without extensive service line requirements, the cost ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 85,000 depending on location and distance from distribution transformers .

Connection Upgrades

Many consumers start with single-phase connections and later need to upgrade to three-phase. This situation is common when households add heavy appliances, start home businesses, or plan to install solar net metering systems .

The upgrade process involves:

• Submitting a formal application to IESCO’s load sanctioning department
• Paying connection upgrade fees ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 80,000 depending on infrastructure requirements
• Installing three-phase service cables and meter panels
• Completing inspections and finalizing the new connection

The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 days after fee payment and documentation .

Upgrading to three-phase is absolutely mandatory for consumers planning net metering installations. IESCO does not accept net metering applications from single-phase connections under any circumstances .

Protected Consumer IESCO – Who Qualifies and Why It Matters

Detailed Definition

The protected consumer iesco category exists to protect low-usage households from high electricity tariffs. This protection comes through government subsidies that keep per-unit rates affordable .

To qualify as protected:

• Your average monthly consumption over the past twelve months must not exceed 200 units
• Your annual consumption must stay within limits set by NEPRA
• You must have a residential connection with sanctioned load up to 5 kW

The twelve-month average is important. If you consume 300 units in summer due to air conditioner use but only 100 units in winter, the average calculation determines your status. Seasonal fluctuations are considered in the averaging process.

If you want to estimate your monthly units, this digital portal is highly recommended.

Tariff Comparison

The difference between protected and non-protected rates is substantial. Consider a household consuming 150 units in a month .

Protected consumer calculation:

• First 100 units: 100 × Rs. 10.54 = Rs. 1,054
• Next 50 units: 50 × Rs. 13.01 = Rs. 650.50
• Total energy charges: Rs. 1,704.50
• Plus fixed charges and taxes

Non-protected consumer calculation for same 150 units:

• First 100 units: 100 × Rs. 22.44 = Rs. 2,244
• Next 50 units: 50 × Rs. 28.91 = Rs. 1,445.50
• Total energy charges: Rs. 3,689.50
• Plus fixed charges and taxes

The non-protected consumer pays more than double the energy charges for exactly the same consumption. This dramatic difference explains why protected status matters so much for household budgets.

Implications of Protected Status

Protected consumers benefit from lower rates but face certain limitations .

Benefits:

• Significantly lower per-unit charges
• Protection from full tariff increases
• Eligibility for certain subsidy programs

Limitations:

• May not qualify for some installment payment plans
• Might be ineligible for amnesty schemes targeting defaulters
• Cannot benefit from Time of Use rates that could lower bills further

Consumers who consistently stay within protected limits should monitor their consumption carefully. Crossing the threshold even for one month can affect future status through the twelve-month averaging mechanism.

Net Metering Tariff IESCO – Solar and Export Rates

Overview of Net Metering

Net metering allows consumers who install solar photovoltaic systems to export surplus electricity back to the grid. When your solar panels generate more power than you consume, the excess flows into IESCO’s network. Your meter runs backward or separately records these exports, and you receive credits on your bill .

This mechanism enables residential, commercial, and industrial consumers to reduce electricity bills by 70 to 90 percent depending on system sizing and consumption patterns .

IESCO serves over 4.2 million consumers across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The region receives excellent solar insolation averaging 5.5 to 6.5 kWh per square meter daily, making solar investments highly productive .

Critical 2026 Updates – Transition to Net Billing

NEPRA introduced the Prosumer Regulations 2025 in December, replacing the original Net Metering Regulations 2015 framework. These changes took full effect in 2026 and fundamentally alter how surplus electricity is valued .

The most significant change is the transition from net metering to net billing.

Under the old net metering system, exported units were credited at the same retail rate you pay for imported units. One unit exported offset one unit imported at the same financial value.

Under the new net billing system, exports are valued at a different rate than imports. The export rate is based on the National Average Energy Purchase Price rather than the consumer retail tariff .

Impact on export tariff:

• Previous rate under net metering: Approximately Rs. 26 to 27 per kWh
• Interim rate during transition: Rs. 19.32 per kWh
• Final reduced rate under net billing: Approximately Rs. 13 per kWh

This 50 percent reduction in export compensation significantly affects financial returns. However, solar remains economical for most consumers because self-consumption saves the full retail rate of Rs. 35 to 47 per kWh for high-usage households. The key is to size systems appropriately and maximize daytime self-consumption .

Other important changes include:

• Agreement duration shortened from 7 years to 5 years
• System capacity limited to 100 percent of sanctioned load (previously 1.5 times)
• Existing agreements continue under original terms until expiry

Mandatory AMI Meters

IESCO has introduced Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters as mandatory equipment for all new net metering connections. Traditional green meters are being phased out with complete replacement targeted by December 2026 .

AMI meter costs :

• Three-phase AMI meter: Rs. 65,000 to 79,000 depending on service cable length
• Single-phase AMI meter: Rs. 35,000 to 38,000 (though single-phase not eligible for net metering)
• Traditional green meter (being phased out): Rs. 95,000

The premium for AMI technology is justified by enhanced functionality including real-time consumption monitoring, remote meter reading, tamper detection, and precise bidirectional energy flow tracking .

In Rawalpindi City and Rawalpindi Cantonment circles, IESCO has already replaced approximately 600,000 conventional meters with smart AMI meters at no cost to existing consumers. These areas have built-in net metering capabilities, eliminating separate meter costs for solar installations .

Three-Phase Mandate

IESCO enforces a strict three-phase requirement for all net metering applications. Single-phase connections are categorically ineligible regardless of system size or consumer category .

The reasons for this requirement include:

• Three-phase connections provide necessary grid integration capabilities for bidirectional electricity flow
• Voltage stability during variable solar generation requires adequate infrastructure
• Load balancing prevents grid disturbances
• Higher sanctioned loads accommodate proper system sizing

Consumers with single-phase connections must complete the upgrade process before submitting net metering applications. The upgrade cost ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 80,000 depending on location and infrastructure needs .

Tariff Guide IESCO – How to Read Your Bill

Decoding the Bill Components

Your IESCO bill contains multiple charges beyond the basic per-unit rate. Understanding each component helps you see where your money goes and verify that charges are correct .

Energy Charges:

These are the charges based on units consumed multiplied by the applicable slab rates. For protected consumers, different slabs apply. For non-protected consumers with Time of Use meters, separate peak and off-peak energy charges appear.

Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA):

This monthly variable charge reflects changes in fuel costs for power generation. When global oil and gas prices rise, this adjustment increases. When fuel costs fall, the adjustment may become negative, reducing your bill. NEPRA approves these adjustments monthly based on actual generation fuel costs .

Quarterly Tariff Adjustments (QTA):

Every three months, NEPRA approves adjustments to account for various factors including inflation, exchange rate variations, and operational costs. These adjustments appear as separate line items on your bill .

Taxes and Surcharges:

• General Sales Tax (GST): Currently 18 percent on electricity bills
• Income Tax Surcharge: Applied to certain consumer categories
• TR Surcharge (Tariff Rationalization): Difference between NEPRA’s determined tariff and uniform government tariff
• FC Surcharge (Financing Cost): Supports debt servicing for Power Holding Private Limited

Fixed Charges:

Monthly customer charges regardless of consumption: Rs. 75 for single-phase, Rs. 150 for three-phase connections .

Online Bill Check

Checking your IESCO bill online helps you monitor consumption patterns and identify opportunities for savings. You can access your bill using your 14-digit reference number or 10-digit customer ID .

Online bill portals show:

• Current bill amount and due date
• Consumption history across multiple months
• Slab-wise breakdown of charges
• Peak versus off-peak consumption for Time of Use meters
• Payment status (paid or unpaid)

Regular online bill checking helps you spot whether you are using power during peak hours and adjust your habits accordingly. You can also download previous bills for record-keeping and verification .

Latest Developments Affecting IESCO Tariff (2026)

Annual Rebasing Cycle Change

The federal government and NEPRA have shifted the annual tariff rebasing timeline. Previously aligned with the fiscal year ending June 30, the rebasing process now starts from January 1, 2026 .

This change aims to enhance consumer affordability and ensure sustainable tariff adjustments aligned with actual electricity consumption patterns. The shift required interim tariff determinations for the transition period .

IESCO has formally petitioned NEPRA for tariff determination covering July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, under the revised framework. The company will provide financial data and supporting documentation to facilitate timely completion of the process .

Digitalization and KYC Campaign

IESCO has launched a “Know Your Consumer” (KYC) campaign to update consumer data across its service territory. This initiative aims to:

• Verify tenant and owner information for each connection
• Update contact details for better communication
• Improve billing accuracy through verified data
• Enable targeted service improvements

While the KYC campaign does not directly change tariffs, better consumer data helps IESCO plan infrastructure investments and improve service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Understanding the iesco tariff rate puts you in control of your electricity expenses. The difference between protected and non-protected status, the impact of peak hours on your bill, and the opportunities from net metering all affect what you pay each month.

Start by checking your current consumer status. Look at your recent bills or check online using your reference number. Know whether you are protected or non-protected, and understand which slab rates apply to your consumption.

Pay attention to peak hours. The simple act of shifting appliance usage away from expensive evening windows can reduce your bill without reducing your comfort. Run heavy appliances during off-peak hours and save money automatically.

For those considering solar, understand that the new net billing framework still offers strong returns when you focus on self-consumption. Size your system appropriately for your daytime needs, and work with AEDB-approved vendors who understand IESCO’s requirements including mandatory three-phase connections and AMI meters.

Register for online bill alerts to monitor your consumption patterns. Track whether you are using power during peak hours and adjust accordingly. Small changes in daily habits add up to significant savings over time.

Electricity costs will continue to evolve with fuel prices, regulatory decisions, and government policies. Staying informed about the iesco tariff 2026 and future updates helps you make smart decisions for your home or business.

If you live in Sialkot or Gujranwala, you can quickly perform a GEPCO online bill check using your 14-digit reference number.