IESCO Unit Price 2025 – Updated Electricity Rates & Tariff Details

If you’re an electricity consumer in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, or nearby regions, chances are you’re receiving your power supply through IESCO — the Islamabad Electric Supply Company. As monthly electricity bills continue to impact household and business budgets, understanding the IESCO unit price has become more important than ever.

Whether you’re a residential user trying to cut costs or a business owner managing operational expenses, being aware of the electricity rates helps you make smarter, energy-efficient choices. But who exactly decides how much you’re charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh)? That’s where NEPRA — the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority — steps in. NEPRA plays a key role in determining and approving IESCO’s electricity tariffs, ensuring prices reflect both national policies and actual energy costs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the latest IESCO per unit rates, explore how the charges vary across consumer categories, and help you understand the factors affecting your monthly bill. Let’s get started!

⚡ What is IESCO and Its Role in Power Distribution?

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) is one of the major power distribution companies in Pakistan, operating under the regulatory umbrella of NEPRA. Established to ensure reliable and uninterrupted energy distribution, IESCO serves millions of consumers across a broad region including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and parts of Chakwal.

But IESCO does more than just supply electricity—it manages the entire framework of power supply, from maintaining the grid infrastructure to implementing NEPRA-approved tariff structures. If you’ve ever wondered how your monthly bill is calculated, it’s IESCO that records your meter reading, applies the sanctioned load, and bills you based on the per-unit electricity rate.

As a power distributor, IESCO plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and transparent access to electricity for all consumer types—whether you’re a domestic user, a shopkeeper, or running an industrial unit. With growing energy demands, understanding how IESCO operates gives you insight into your energy usage and how it directly impacts your costs.

So whether you’re dealing with a simple household connection or a high-load commercial setup, IESCO is the company powering your everyday life—quietly, but critically.

Current IESCO Unit Price (2025)

When it comes to paying your electricity bill, the most crucial factor is the per unit cost—or how much you’re being charged for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed. In 2025, the latest IESCO electricity unit rate (as of July) reflects several variables including your consumer category (domestic, commercial, industrial), the amount of energy you consume, and periodic government adjustments like Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA).

Whether you’re running a household or managing a business, understanding these rates can help you take control of your energy usage and costs.

IESCO Slab-Wise Unit Rates for Domestic Consumers (2025)

(Rates are in Pakistani Rupees per kWh and may vary by government notification or seasonal adjustments)

Note: Protected vs Unprotected status depends on consistent usage history. Unprotected users may pay higher slab rates.

IESCO Commercial & Industrial Unit Rates (2025)

Commercial and industrial users fall under a separate tariff structure approved by NEPRA. These rates are typically higher due to the heavier loads and operational consumption.

The FPA is an additional charge that fluctuates monthly based on changes in fuel prices used in electricity generation. It is applied per unit and varies from month to month. While it might seem small, FPA can significantly impact your total bill, especially during high consumption months.

IESCO Tariff Categories Explained

Every electricity connection isn’t billed the same way—and for good reason. To ensure fair pricing across different types of usage, IESCO (Islamabad Electric Supply Company) applies specific tariff categories based on how and where the electricity is used. Whether you’re lighting up a home, powering a store, running a factory, or operating a farm, your unit rate is structured to reflect your consumption type.

Let’s break down the major consumer categories under IESCO’s energy billing system:

1. Domestic (Residential) Tariff

This category applies to homes, apartments, and any private residential space. Residential unit rates are usually the lowest, especially for consumers who fall under the protected category (using under 200 units per month consistently).

• Designed for: Households and personal residences

• Billing Structure: Slab-wise rates (e.g., 1–100 units, 101–200 units)

• Special Notes: Eligible for lifeline or protected rates if consumption is consistently low

Ideal for: Individual households, small apartments

2. Commercial Tariff

Shops, offices, and retail establishments fall under the commercial category. These connections are charged a higher IESCO commercial unit rate due to the nature of continuous and moderate-to-heavy usage.

• Designed for: Shops, clinics, schools, small businesses

• Unit Rate (2025): Approx. Rs. 36.07 per kWh

• Billing Type: Flat rate based on consumption level

Ideal for: Retail outlets, private educational institutes, beauty salons, bakeries

3. Industrial Tariff

Industries and manufacturing units use high-capacity machinery and are typically connected through 3-phase connections. The load-based tariff system is used here, where rates are calculated depending on sanctioned load and consumption patterns.

• Designed for: Factories, production units, heavy-load operations

• Unit Rate (2025): Ranges from Rs. 32.43 to Rs. 34.52 per kWh depending on scale

• Extra Charges: Demand-based charges may apply

Ideal for: Textile mills, printing presses, steel plants

4. Agricultural Tariff

For agricultural use—like tube wells and irrigation systems—IESCO offers subsidized electricity under the agricultural category. This is part of government initiatives to support farming communities and rural development.

• Designed for: Farmers and agricultural users

• Unit Rate (2025): Approx. Rs. 16.60 per kWh

• Benefits: Lower rates and government-supported subsidies

Ideal for: Farming operations, crop irrigation, livestock support systems

Why Knowing Your Tariff Category Matters

Your IESCO electricity bill is directly impacted by the consumer category you fall into. If you’re being billed under the wrong category, you could be overpaying every month. Always make sure your tariff classification matches your actual usage—and if in doubt, contact IESCO for clarification.

⏰ Peak Hours vs Off-Peak Rates – What You Need to Know

Not all electricity costs the same—when you use electricity can be just as important as how much you use.

Like many power distribution companies, IESCO applies a demand-based pricing model for certain types of consumers, especially under Time-of-Use (TOU) metering. This means electricity is more expensive during peak hours—when demand is highest—and cheaper during off-peak hours, when the load on the national grid is lighter.

What Are Peak Hours?

Peak hours are the times of day when electricity usage is at its highest—typically in the evening when households and businesses are fully active.

During these hours, the IESCO peak hours charges are significantly higher to manage the load on the grid and encourage users to shift non-essential usage to off-peak times.

IESCO Peak Hours (2025):

• April to October: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• November to March: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

⚠️ Using heavy appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, and irons during peak hours can sharply increase your monthly bill.

What Are Off-Peak Hours?

Off-peak hours cover the rest of the day—typically late at night, early morning, and mid-afternoon—when electricity demand is lower. The off-peak electricity rates are considerably cheaper, making them ideal for running energy-intensive tasks.

Off-Peak Hours:

• All hours outside of the defined peak periods above.

Why It Matters

For consumers with TOU meters—usually commercial, industrial, and some residential connections—the bill is calculated by separating units consumed during peak and off-peak times. Since energy consumption costs are higher during peak hours, shifting your heavy usage to off-peak times can significantly lower your bill.

Smart Tip: If you’re using over 700 units per month or have a TOU meter installed, create a habit of scheduling your high-load appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and laundry machines during off-peak times to take advantage of reduced rates.

NEPRA’s Role in Electricity Pricing

Have you ever looked at your electricity bill and wondered, “Who decides how much I’m being charged per unit?” The answer lies with NEPRA—the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority—the official body responsible for regulating electricity prices in Pakistan.

NEPRA ensures that power companies like IESCO don’t arbitrarily set electricity prices. Instead, they follow a strict, transparent, and government-approved tariff structure to make sure consumers are treated fairly while keeping the financial health of power providers in check.

⚖️ What Does NEPRA Actually Do?

NEPRA acts as the bridge between electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) like IESCO and the consumers. Their primary role in the pricing process includes:

• Reviewing IESCO’s financials and energy procurement costs

• Analyzing demand forecasts and operational expenditures

• Ensuring affordability for end users

• Publishing and updating the official tariff schedules

Every change in the IESCO unit price—whether it’s an annual adjustment or a response to fuel cost changes—is backed by a NEPRA-approved tariff schedule. These schedules are made public to promote transparency and consumer awareness.

How NEPRA Approves IESCO Tariffs

The tariff approval process includes:

1. Proposal Submission: IESCO submits a request to revise its tariff based on costs, revenue gaps, or demand shifts.

2. Public Hearings: NEPRA invites public input, so stakeholders (including consumers) can raise objections or ask questions.

3. Tariff Review & Analysis: NEPRA reviews all data, considers market conditions, and calculates a justified price.

4. Official Tariff Announcement: NEPRA then publishes the revised IESCO tariff schedule, which becomes legally binding.

Why NEPRA Matters to You

Thanks to NEPRA’s oversight, you’re protected from sudden price hikes and unfair billing practices. Their role ensures that electricity pricing stays balanced—neither too high for consumers nor unsustainable for power companies. Understanding the NEPRA-approved IESCO tariff schedule helps you monitor your usage and billing more effectively.

How to Calculate Your IESCO Electricity Bill

Let’s face it—reading an electricity bill can feel like decoding a puzzle. With so many numbers, categories, and adjustments, it’s easy to wonder where your total bill amount actually comes from. But don’t worry—once you understand the main components, you’ll find that calculating your IESCO monthly bill isn’t as complicated as it seems.

Main Components of Your IESCO Bill

Your electricity bill isn’t just about the per-unit cost. It includes several elements, each contributing to the final amount:

1. Energy Charges (Variable Charges)

This is calculated by multiplying the number of units (kWh) consumed with the applicable per unit rate based on your slab or tariff category.

2. Fixed Charges

These are standard charges based on your connection type and sanctioned load—they remain the same regardless of how much electricity you use.

3. Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA)

This is a variable charge that fluctuates every month depending on international fuel prices. It’s applied per unit and can increase your bill during months with high fuel costs.

4. Meter Rent

A small fee charged monthly for the use and maintenance of your electricity meter.

5. Taxes & Surcharges

Includes GST, Electricity Duty, TV license fee (if applicable), and other government-imposed charges.

Example: Simple IESCO Bill Calculation

Let’s say your monthly consumption is 350 units under a residential (unprotected) connection. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Energy Charges (Slab-Based):

  • First 100 units @ Rs. 7.74 = Rs. 774

  • Next 100 units @ Rs. 10.06 = Rs. 1,006

  • Remaining 150 units @ Rs. 22.14 = Rs. 3,321

  • Total Energy Charges = Rs. 5,101

• Fixed Charges: Rs. 200

• FPA (e.g., Rs. 4.5 per unit x 350 units): Rs. 1,575

• Meter Rent: Rs. 15

• Taxes & Duties: Approx. Rs. 950

Estimated Total Bill: Rs. 7,841

Note: Exact rates may vary based on the latest NEPRA tariff and monthly FPA adjustments.

Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Bill

Tired of seeing a high number every time you open your IESCO bill? You’re not alone. With rising electricity usage charges and monthly adjustments like Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA), managing your bill has become more important than ever.

The good news? Small changes in your power consumption habits can lead to big savings. Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips that can help you lower your electricity costs without sacrificing comfort.

1. Shift Heavy Usage to Off-Peak Hours

If you have a Time-of-Use (TOU) meter—or just want to avoid high demand times—try using high-power appliances during off-peak hours. Activities like doing laundry, ironing, or running the air conditioner can cost significantly less if done outside of IESCO’s peak hours.

Why it matters: Electricity during peak hours is more expensive due to demand-based pricing.

2. Improve Energy Efficiency at Home or Office

Using energy-efficient appliances and lighting can significantly reduce your kWh usage. Replace old light bulbs with LEDs, insulate your home, and unplug devices that aren’t in use.

Quick Wins for Energy Efficiency Savings:

• Install smart thermostats or timers for water heaters

• Use ceiling fans to support air conditioning

• Turn off lights and appliances when not needed

⚖️ 3. Monitor and Manage Your Sanctioned Load

Your sanctioned load determines the fixed charges you pay. If your actual usage is much lower than your sanctioned load, you might be paying extra every month. Requesting a load revision through IESCO can reduce those unnecessary charges.

Tip: Contact IESCO to check or adjust your sanctioned load if your usage pattern has changed over time.

4. Avoid Phantom Load

Devices like routers, phone chargers, microwave displays, and gaming consoles consume electricity even when not in use. These are called phantom loads or standby power losses.

Solution: Use power strips with on/off switches and turn them off when not needed.

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