Waives Rs11b for domestic consumers, defers Rs6b for commercial agricultural users
The federal government has waived electricity bills for residential consumers in flood-affected areas for the month of August, while bills for commercial and agricultural users have been postponed to December, according to sources in the Power Division.
The sources confirmed that all categories of domestic consumers in flood-affected regions will not be required to pay their bills in August. For those who had already paid their bills, the amount has been 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 package amounts to a total of Rs 17 billion. Of the amount, bills worth Rs11 billion for domestic users have been waived, while payment of Rs6 billion in dues for commercial and agricultural users has been deferred.
Overall, the government has provided financial relief to about 2.5 million consumers in flood-affected regions.
Sources further said that domestic consumers who had already paid their bills in August have received refund adjustments in the current billing cycle, while commercial and agricultural users have been given four months of relief.
From January to June 2026, a fixed portion of their deferred bills will be added to their monthly statements. Officials stated that the decision was made to ease the financial burden on households and businesses affected by the recent floods.
Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a special relief package for flood-affected communities. The package includes a specific waiver of electricity bills for households for the month of August.
In a brief televised address to the nation, the prime minister said the federal government would bear the cost of payments on behalf of households.
“We fully understand the flood victims. This payment is not a favor but their right,” he said, adding that those who had already paid their bills in August would have the amount adjusted in the next months’ bills.
Shehbaz said clear instructions have been issued to electricity distribution companies to ensure immediate implementation. He added that assessments were underway to calculate losses and liabilities for agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors in the affected areas.
“The recovery of their bills has been suspended for now. If the estimates for these sectors are found to be higher, the government will take further steps to provide relief,” he said.
