MEPCO Tariff Overview
MEPCO follows NEPRA's national uniform tariff applicable to all distribution companies in Pakistan. With over 6.8 million consumers across 13 districts of South Punjab, MEPCO is the largest DISCO by consumer count. The tariff structure includes progressive slab rates for residential consumers, flat rates for commercial connections, time-of-use pricing for industrial consumers, and subsidized rates for agricultural tube-wells.
Understanding the tariff structure is essential for MEPCO consumers in Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, DG Khan, and surrounding areas. Whether you are a homeowner, shopkeeper, factory operator, or farmer, knowing your applicable tariff helps you budget accurately and identify savings opportunities.
Residential Slab Rates (A-1 Category)
| Slab | Range | Rate (Rs/kWh) | Fixed Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protected | 1–100 kWh | 7.74 | None | Lifeline rate for low usage |
| Slab 2 | 101–200 kWh | 11.50 | None | Average household (fans, lights) |
| Slab 3 | 201–300 kWh | 16.00 | None | Moderate usage (1 AC) |
| Slab 4 | 301–400 kWh | 20.70 | None | Standard AC household |
| Slab 5 | 401–500 kWh | 24.20 | None | Multiple ACs in summer |
| Slab 6 | 501–600 kWh | 27.30 | None | Heavy summer usage |
| Slab 7 | 601–700 kWh | 30.00 | None | Very high consumption |
| Slab 8 | 700+ kWh | 35.00+ | None | Highest bracket |
Commercial Tariff (A-2 Category)
Shops, offices, and commercial establishments in the MEPCO region pay under the A-2 tariff category. Commercial rates are flat (not slab-based) and include demand charges based on sanctioned load capacity.
| Load Range | Energy Charge (Rs/kWh) | Demand Charge (Rs/kW/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 kW | 22.50 | 200 |
| 5–50 kW | 23.80 | 380 |
| 50–500 kW | 24.50 | 380 |
| Above 500 kW | 25.00 | 380 |
Industrial Tariff (B Category)
Industrial consumers in the MEPCO region — particularly textile and agricultural processing units in Multan, Faisalabad-adjacent areas, and the industrial zones — can benefit from time-of-use (ToU) metering with lower off-peak rates.
| Category | Peak Rate | Off-Peak Rate | Demand Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 (Small Industry) | Rs 22.00/kWh | Rs 16.50/kWh | Rs 380/kW |
| B-2 (Medium) | Rs 22.00/kWh | Rs 16.50/kWh | Rs 380/kW |
| B-3 (Large) | Rs 22.00/kWh | Rs 16.50/kWh | Rs 380/kW |
Agricultural Tube-well Tariff (C Category)
South Punjab is one of Pakistan's major agricultural regions, and MEPCO serves a large number of tube-well connections. Agricultural tariffs are subsidized by the government to support farming. MEPCO's agricultural consumer base is one of the largest among all DISCOs.
| Type | Rate (Rs/kWh) | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| SCARP Tube-wells | Rs 9.00–12.00 | Government irrigation program |
| Private Tube-wells | Rs 12.00–16.00 | Time-of-use available |
| Agricultural (General) | Rs 14.00 | Seasonal usage patterns |
Seasonal Peak Hours for MEPCO
ToU peak and off-peak hours
| Season | Peak Hours | Off-Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 11:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Spring/Autumn | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 10:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
How Taxes Affect MEPCO Tariff
The base tariff is only part of your final MEPCO bill. Multiple government-imposed taxes and surcharges significantly increase the effective per-unit cost. For a consumer paying Rs 16/unit base rate, taxes add another Rs 5–8 per unit.
| Tax/Charge | Rate | Applied On |
|---|---|---|
| GST | 17% | Energy + FPA |
| Income Tax | 7.5%–12% | High consumption or non-filer |
| Electricity Duty | 1.5% | Base amount |
| TV Fee | Rs 35/month | Domestic connections |
| FC Surcharge | Variable | All consumers |
| FPA | Rs 1–5/unit | Monthly fuel adjustment |
Historical MEPCO Tariff Trends (2020–2026)
MEPCO tariffs have increased significantly over the past six years, driven by IMF conditions for subsidy reduction, rising fuel costs, and currency depreciation. Understanding historical trends helps consumers plan for future increases and make informed decisions about energy efficiency investments and solar adoption.
Between 2020 and 2026, the average residential per-unit rate has more than doubled for consumers in the 300–500 unit range. The protected slab has seen smaller increases due to government intervention, while upper slabs have absorbed the bulk of tariff hikes. This trend is expected to continue as Pakistan moves toward full cost-recovery pricing under IMF agreements.
Approximate residential rate evolution
| Year | Average Rate (300 units) | % Increase YoY | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Rs 10–12/kWh | — | Base year |
| 2021–22 | Rs 12–14/kWh | ~20% | Currency depreciation |
| 2022–23 | Rs 15–18/kWh | ~25% | IMF conditions, fuel costs |
| 2023–24 | Rs 18–22/kWh | ~20% | Subsidy removal, FPA spike |
| 2024–25 | Rs 20–24/kWh | ~12% | Continued reform |
| 2025–26 | Rs 22–26/kWh | ~10% | Stabilization + FPA |
Impact of Government Subsidies on MEPCO Rates
The Pakistani government provides electricity subsidies primarily targeting low-consumption households. Under the current policy, consumers using up to 200 units per month receive subsidized rates, while consumers above 300 units effectively cross-subsidize the lower slabs. This policy particularly benefits rural MEPCO consumers who tend to have lower average consumption than urban areas.
Agricultural tube-well tariffs are also heavily subsidized to support farming. MEPCO, serving one of Pakistan's major agricultural regions, has a significant share of agricultural connections. However, these subsidies are under scrutiny, and gradual reduction is expected in coming fiscal years.
How subsidies currently affect different consumer groups
- Below 200 units: significant subsidy keeps rates at Rs 7–12/kWh versus cost-recovery rate of Rs 18+
- 200–300 units: partial subsidy, rates are below full cost but higher than lifeline category
- Above 300 units: no subsidy, these consumers pay at or above cost-recovery rates
- Commercial: no subsidy, flat rates at Rs 22–25/kWh
- Agricultural: substantial subsidy, rates are Rs 12–16/kWh versus cost-recovery of Rs 20+
- Industrial ToU: moderate subsidy during off-peak to incentivize load management
Choosing the Right Tariff Category
Your MEPCO tariff category is determined by the approved purpose of your electricity connection. However, many consumers are incorrectly categorized — especially mixed-use properties where residential premises are used for small home businesses, or agricultural land where the owner also has a residential structure.
If you believe your connection is categorized incorrectly, you can apply for reclassification at your subdivision office. The most common reclassification requests are from commercial to residential (for shops converted to residences) and from residential to agricultural (for properties that are primarily used for farming). Successful reclassification can reduce your per-unit rate significantly.
Check your current MEPCO bill online to verify your tariff category and see your actual per-unit charges. Use the reference number guide and bill checker widget to access your bill instantly.
Check Your MEPCO Tariff Category →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current MEPCO tariff rates?
MEPCO follows NEPRA's uniform tariff: Rs 7.74/kWh for the first 100 units up to Rs 35+/kWh for 700+ units. Commercial rates are flat at Rs 22–25/kWh. Agricultural tube-well rates are subsidized at Rs 12–16/kWh.
Are MEPCO rates different from other DISCOs?
No. All DISCOs follow the same NEPRA base tariff. The difference in bills comes from monthly FPA variations, which depend on each DISCO's fuel mix and efficiency.
How often do MEPCO tariffs change?
NEPRA reviews tariffs annually (usually July) and may issue quarterly/monthly adjustments through FPA and QTA notifications. Major changes typically happen once per fiscal year.
What is the cheapest MEPCO tariff slab?
The protected/lifeline slab (1–100 units) at Rs 7.74/kWh is the cheapest. Consumers using up to 50 units get even more favorable treatment with exemption from certain taxes.
Is there a special tariff for farmers in MEPCO?
Yes. Agricultural tube-well connections get subsidized rates (Rs 12–16/kWh) lower than residential rates above slab 2. This supports irrigation in South Punjab's agricultural economy.
What are peak hours for MEPCO ToU meters?
Summer: 7–11 PM, Winter: 5–9 PM, Spring/Autumn: 6–10 PM. Off-peak rates are approximately 25–30% lower than peak rates.
How much tax is charged on MEPCO bills?
Total taxes including GST (17%), income tax (7.5%+), electricity duty (1.5%), and fees can add 20–30% on top of the base tariff amount.
Can I change my MEPCO tariff category?
Tariff category depends on the approved purpose of your connection. If you believe you are incorrectly categorized, apply to your MEPCO subdivision office with supporting documentation for reclassification.
What is the MEPCO industrial tariff?
Industrial consumers pay peak rate of Rs 22/kWh and off-peak rate of approximately Rs 16.50/kWh, plus demand charges of Rs 380/kW/month. ToU metering enables savings by shifting production to off-peak hours.
Why is my effective per-unit rate higher than the slab rate?
The stated slab rate is the base energy charge only. After adding FPA, GST, income tax, duties, and fees, the effective per-unit cost is 30–50% higher.
How have MEPCO rates changed over the past 5 years?
Average residential rates have roughly doubled since 2020–21, going from Rs 10–12/kWh to Rs 22–26/kWh for a 300-unit consumer. This is due to IMF conditions, fuel cost increases, and subsidy reductions.
Are agricultural tariffs going to increase?
Agricultural subsidies are under review. While government policy supports farmers, gradual subsidy reduction is expected. Monitor NEPRA notifications for updates to the agricultural tariff schedule.