In a move that will impact households nationwide, the federal government has notified a significant hike in the basic electricity tariff.

Effective immediately, the tariff has been increased by Rs 7 to Rs 12 per unit, depending on usage.

According to a notification from the Power Division, domestic consumers using up to 200 units per month will be exempt from this increase for the next three months. For all other domestic consumers, the basic electricity tariff will rise by Rs 7.12 per unit.

With this adjustment, the new basic electricity tariff for domestic consumers will now stand at Rs 48.84 per unit. Consumers using between 201 and 300 units will see their tariff increase by Rs 7.12, bringing the new rate to Rs 34.26 per unit.

For those using between 301 and 400 units, the tariff will increase by Rs 7.02, resulting in a new rate of Rs 39.15 per unit. Lastly, consumers using between 401 and 500 units will face an increase of Rs 6.12, setting the new rate at Rs 41.36 per unit.

This tariff hike is expected to have a broad impact on households across the country, including Karachi. The government has justified the increase as a necessary step to manage the rising costs of electricity production and distribution. However, the move has been met with concern from many citizens, who are already grappling with high living costs.