Govt May Expand Protected Slab to Cut Electricity Bills Punjab

In a move that could bring much-needed relief to millions, the government is weighing a proposal to expand the protected consumption limit for electricity users in Punjab. The plan aims to help low-usage households by increasing the threshold from the current 200 units to 300 units, directly impacting monthly electricity bills Punjab residents have been struggling with.

Sources reveal the proposal emerged after lawmakers highlighted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that consumers crossing the limit by just one unit — using 201 units — were being charged an additional Rs. 5,000. Officials described this as an unfair burden on low-income households, sparking urgent discussions at the federal level.

If approved, the higher tariff would apply only to those consuming over 300 units, ensuring that more families fall under the protected consumers category. This could significantly reduce financial pressure for thousands of households currently categorized as non-protected consumers.

A high-level committee has been tasked with reviewing the definitions and categories of both protected and non-protected consumers. Their findings will determine whether the revised limit is implemented and how it will be structured to prevent bill shocks in the future.

Analysts suggest that if the change goes through, electricity bills Punjab could see a notable drop for low-usage families, aligning with the government’s promise to shield vulnerable citizens from inflationary pressures.