Forgoes Rs11 billion for domestic consumers, defers Rs6 billion for commercial and agricultural users
The federal government has waived electricity bills of domestic consumers in flood-affected areas for August, while bills of commercial and agricultural users have been deferred until December, according to Energy Division sources.
The sources confirmed that all categories of domestic consumers in flood-affected areas will not be required to pay their August bills. For those who had already paid their bills, the amount was adjusted in subsequent months’ bills.
Meanwhile, commercial and agricultural consumers will have their August bills deferred until December 2025. From January to June next year, these consumers will be allowed to pay the deferred amounts in six monthly installments.
According to official data, the relief plan amounts to a total of Rs17 billion. Of this, Rs 11 billion worth of bills for domestic users have been waived, while payment of Rs 6 billion worth of dues for commercial and agricultural users has been deferred.
In total, the government provided financial assistance to around 2.5 million consumers in flood-affected regions.
Sources further said that domestic consumers who had already paid their August bills received refund adjustments during the current billing cycle, while commercial and agricultural users received four months of relief.
From January to June 2026, a fixed portion of their deferred bills will be added to their monthly statements. Officials said the decision was made to ease the financial burden on households and businesses affected by recent flooding.
Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a special relief package for flood-affected communities. The package notably includes exemption from electricity bills for national consumers for the month of August.
In a brief televised address to the nation, the Prime Minister said the federal government would cover the cost of payments on behalf of households.
“We fully understand the plight of the flood victims. This payment is not a favor but their right,” he said, adding that those who have already paid their August bills will see the amount adjusted in next months’ bills.
Shehbaz said clear instructions have been given to power distribution companies to ensure immediate implementation. He added that assessments were underway to calculate losses and liabilities of the agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors in the affected areas.
“The collection of their bills has been suspended for now. If the estimates for these sectors turn out to be higher, the government will take further steps to provide relief,” he said.
