The federal government has introduced a new fixed-charge structure for all three-phase electricity consumers, including households and businesses that use solar systems. The charges are expected to show up in this month’s bills after approval by NEPRA, and they are being discussed alongside the rollout of the “Solar Consumers Regulations 2026.”
For many consumers, the main change is simple: a bigger portion of the monthly bill becomes a standing fee linked to your approved load. That means even if you reduce consumption through solar generation or careful energy use, you may still pay a fixed amount based on the size of your connection.
What Fixed Charges Mean for Three-Phase Consumers
A fixed charge is a minimum monthly fee that applies regardless of how many units you consume. With three-phase meters, approved loads are usually higher, so the fixed fee can be noticeable. Three-phase connections are common in larger homes, workshops, small industries, and in many properties where solar systems are installed.
Because the charge is linked to approved load, two households with similar monthly usage can face different fixed charges if their connection loads are different. This is why private housing societies and high-load domestic users are expected to feel the change more than typical single-phase users.
The practical takeaway is to read your bill carefully, confirm your approved load, and understand that your “minimum payable” may rise even if your unit consumption is low.
Fixed Charges by Load: Full Table (5 kW to 15 kW)
Under the reported structure, fixed charges rise step-by-step as approved load increases. The full slab table from 5 kW to 15 kW is shown below. Loads above 15 kW will fall into higher slabs and will carry higher fixed charges.
| Load in Kilowatts | Fixed Charges |
| 5 kW | Rs 1,687 |
| 6 kW | Rs 2,025 |
| 7 kW | Rs 2,362 |
| 8 kW | Rs 2,700 |
| 9 kW | Rs 3,037 |
| 10 kW | Rs 3,375 |
| 11 kW | Rs 3,712 |
| 12 kW | Rs 4,050 |
| 13 kW | Rs 4,387 |
| 14 kW | Rs 4,725 |
| 15 kW | Rs 5,062 |
Net Billing Replaces Net Metering for New Solar Consumers
These changes are also happening as the “Solar Consumers Regulations 2026” roll out. Under the updated framework, net metering is being replaced by net billing for new solar consumers.
Net metering is commonly understood as a unit-for-unit adjustment, where exported units can offset imported units. Net billing works differently: exported electricity is purchased at a set rate, while imported electricity is charged at the applicable tariff.
For new solar users, the reported purchase rate for surplus electricity is Rs11 per unit. This matters because if export credit is lower than the retail per-unit price, the economics shift toward using more of your solar power during the day (self-consumption) rather than exporting large surplus to the grid. Existing solar users, as stated in the current reporting, will continue under the previous net metering regime.
Who Is Most Affected and What You Can Do Now
The biggest impact is on three-phase users with higher approved loads, including many solar households and commercial consumers. Fixed charges reduce the ability to bring the bill down to very low levels, because the standing fee remains payable each month.
A few practical steps can help. First, check whether your approved load is higher than your real requirement. If your connection was upgraded years ago for a temporary need, a load rationalisation request (where allowed by your utility rules) may reduce the fixed slab you fall into.
Second, improve solar self-consumption. Shifting heavy loads—such as ironing, water pumping, washing machines, or workplace equipment—to daytime hours can reduce grid imports and increase the value you get from your own generation.
Third, track official notifications and your utility’s bill format. Fixed charges, net billing credit, and any additional taxes or surcharges are often listed as separate line items. Understanding each line helps you estimate your real monthly cost and avoid surprises.
