How Your FESCO Electricity Bill is Calculated

Ever wondered what goes into that electricity bill amount? This guide breaks down the exact calculation method used by FESCO, including tariff rates, additional charges, and practical examples.

🔢 The Basic Calculation Formula

Total Bill = (Units Consumed × Tariff Rate) + FPA + TR Surcharge + FC Surcharge + GST + Fixed Charges

  1. Meter Reading Difference

    Your consumption is calculated by subtracting the previous meter reading from the current reading.

    Example: Current: 12500 - Previous: 12200 = 300 units consumed

  2. Tariff Slab Application

    FESCO uses progressive tariff rates - the more you use, the higher the rate per unit.

    Consumption Tier Rate per Unit (Rs.) For 300 Units Example
    1-100 units 16.00 100 × 16 = Rs. 1,600
    101-200 units 22.00 100 × 22 = Rs. 2,200
    201-300 units 26.50 100 × 26.50 = Rs. 2,650
    301-400 units 32.00 0 (not reached)
    Total - Rs. 6,450

  3. Additional Charges

    These are added to your base consumption cost:

    • FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment): Rs. 3.20/unit (varies monthly)
    • TR Surcharge: 5% of base amount
    • FC Surcharge: Rs. 50 (fixed)
    • GST: 17% of subtotal
    • Fixed Charges: Rs. 200 (meter maintenance)

📊 Complete Bill Calculation Example

Let's calculate a sample bill for 300 units consumption:

Component Calculation Amount (Rs.)
Basic Units (1-100) 100 × 16.00 1,600.00
Basic Units (101-200) 100 × 22.00 2,200.00
Basic Units (201-300) 100 × 26.50 2,650.00
Subtotal (Units) 6,450.00
FPA Charge 300 × 3.20 960.00
TR Surcharge 5% of 6,450 322.50
FC Surcharge Fixed 50.00
Fixed Charges Fixed 200.00
Subtotal 7,982.50
GST (17%) 17% of 7,982.50 1,357.03
Total Payable 9,339.53
Note: Your actual bill may vary slightly due to rounding and monthly adjustments in FPA rates.

🔍 Understanding Your Bill Components

1. Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA)

This variable charge changes monthly based on fuel costs for power generation. FESCO publishes FPA rates on their official website.

2. Tariff Rationalization (TR) Surcharge

A government-mandated charge to cover the gap between actual power generation costs and what consumers pay.

3. Financing Cost (FC) Surcharge

Fixed charge to cover loans taken for power infrastructure development.

4. General Sales Tax (GST)

Standard 17% government tax applied to electricity bills.

Important: BISP beneficiaries (Ehsaas program) get subsidized rates on first 100 units - their calculation differs.

💡 5 Proven Ways to Reduce Your FESCO Bill

  1. Stay Within Lower Tariff Slabs

    Keeping consumption below 300 units avoids the highest (Rs. 32/unit) rate.

  2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

    Inverter ACs use 30-50% less power than conventional models.

  3. Shift Usage to Off-Peak Hours

    Run heavy appliances (washing machines, irons) during non-peak hours (10PM-6AM).

  4. Regular Meter Checks

    Ensure your meter isn't running fast - compare with a clamp meter test.

  5. Solar Hybrid Solution

    Install solar panels for daytime use, reducing grid consumption by 40-60%.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (10+ Answers)

Q1: Why is my bill higher this month when usage didn't change?

A: Common reasons include:

  • Increase in FPA rate (check current rate at fesco.com.pk/fpa)
  • Previous bill was estimated reading (marked with 'E' on bill)
  • Expired subsidy on first 100 units

Q2: How do I know if my meter reading was estimated?

A: Look for:

  • An 'E' next to the reading on your bill
  • Consecutive bills with identical readings
  • No meter reader visit (check dates on bill)
Submit an actual reading via online portal to correct.

Q3: What's the difference between reference number and meter number?

A:

Reference Number Meter Number
14 digits 11 digits
Changes if you move Stays with physical meter
Used for bill payments Used for technical complaints

Q4: Can I get my tariff slab changed?

A: Tariff slabs are automatically applied based on monthly consumption. However:

  • Commercial users can apply for residential rates if using premises for both
  • BISP beneficiaries get special subsidized rates
  • High-consumption users can request time-of-use metering

Q5: Why am I being charged GST when I'm not a business?

A: All Pakistani electricity consumers pay 17% GST except:

  • Those consuming under 50 units/month
  • Registered charitable institutions
  • Agricultural tube wells in some provinces

Q6: How often does FPA rate change?

A: Monthly - NEPRA announces new rates around the 10th of each month, applied to next billing cycle. Historical FPA rates:

  • Jan 2024: Rs. 3.20/unit
  • Dec 2023: Rs. 2.85/unit
  • Nov 2023: Rs. 4.10/unit (winter peak)

Q7: What should I do if my bill seems 2-3x higher than normal?

A: Follow this troubleshooting checklist:

  1. Compare with previous 6 months usage
  2. Check for meter reading errors (last digit often misread)
  3. Look for new appliances added recently
  4. Test for power leaks (turn off main switch - meter shouldn't move)
  5. File complaint at nearest FESCO office within 7 days

Q8: How does net metering affect my bill calculation?

A: With solar net metering:

  • Excess solar energy feeds back into grid
  • You're billed only for net consumption (units used - units supplied)
  • Different tariff rates apply for net metering users
  • Requires special bi-directional meter
Apply for net metering at FESCO's portal if generating >3kW solar power.

Q9: Why do I have arrears on my bill when I pay on time?

A: Arrears may appear due to:

  • Late payment charges from previous bills
  • Corrected readings after estimated bills
  • Tax adjustments from previous periods
  • Meter replacement differences
Request detailed breakdown at billing office if unexplained.

Q10: How can I calculate my next bill in advance?

A: Three methods:

  1. Use FESCO's online calculator
  2. Manual calculation:
    (Current reading - Last reading) × Current tariff rate + FPA + Fixed charges
  3. Mobile apps like JazzCash have built-in estimators

 

Fesco Online Bill