How to Check and Understand Your Electricity Bill
Published: 23 October 2026 · Updated: 30 October 2026
An electricity bill often makes no sense — and that is why people worry about a high bill but cannot spot the mistake. After this guide you will be able to read your own bill.
The most important things on the bill
- Units consumed: How much electricity was used this month — the difference between the meter's previous and current readings.
- Tariff / slab: The rate you were charged at.
- FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment): The difference in the cost of the fuel/gas used to generate electricity — it changes every month, sometimes plus, sometimes minus.
- GST: Government sales tax.
- Fixed charges: A monthly charge based on the meter/load.
What is the slab system?
In Pakistan the home electricity rate depends on how many units you use in the month, and whether you are protected or not. Under the NEPRA tariff (S.R.O. 279(I)/2026, 12 February 2026):
- Lifeline (very low use): up to 50 units at Rs 3.95/unit, then Rs 7.74.
- Protected: A home that stayed at 200 units or less for the last 6 months continuously — Rs 10.54 (1–100) and Rs 13.01 (101–200).
- Non-protected: Rs 22.44 at 1–100, Rs 28.91 at 101–200, Rs 33.10 at 201–300, and Rs 47.20 per unit above 700.
The most important point: For a non-protected home, all units are charged at the rate of the slab the month reaches. That is why at 200 units the bill is about Rs 5,782 (energy), but at 201 units all units are charged at Rs 33.10 and energy charges become about Rs 6,653 — one unit, a difference of about Rs 871 (before tax). Take special care when you are near 200.
Common reasons for a high bill
- Units moving into the next slab (the point above).
- Losing protected status — one month above 200, and the next 6 months are billed at the higher rate.
- Estimated reading — if the meter reader does not come, an estimated reading is applied; send a photo of your meter yourself to get it corrected.
- A high FPA — this is not in your control.
- Old arrears or an instalment included in the bill.
How to check your bill
On your company's website/app (LESCO, IESCO, MEPCO, FESCO, HESCO, K-Electric etc.), enter the reference number (the 14-digit number printed on the bill) to see a duplicate bill. Match the units with the readings: current meter reading minus previous reading = units. If there is a difference, register a complaint at the company's office or helpline. To estimate next month's bill, use the PakRoz Electricity Bill Calculator — it is an estimate; the actual bill can differ slightly because of FPA and adjustments.