Time-of-use electricity guide

Peak and Off-Peak Electricity Rates in Pakistan

Learn how a time-of-use meter separates expensive peak units from off-peak units and which household loads are practical to shift.

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Reviewed 20 June 2026. Tariffs and monthly adjustments can change; verify the category and billing period on your official bill.

Quick Answer

Time-of-use billing records peak and off-peak units separately. Peak units use the higher applicable rate, while off-peak units use the lower rate. The exact rate and peak-hour schedule must be checked on the current tariff notification and your provider's bill because timings and adjustments can change.

What To Check on Your Bill

Bill itemWhat you may seeWhy it mattersWhat to do
Peak unitsHigher-rate ToU consumptionHeavy appliances during peak hours cost more.Check the peak-unit line on the bill.
Off-peak unitsLower-rate ToU consumptionSuitable loads may cost less outside peak hours.Move flexible loads where practical.
Peak-hour scheduleProvider and season dependentThe clock window determines how units are classified.Use the schedule printed by your provider.
Total ToU billPeak charge + off-peak charge + other itemsA blended unit average hides the difference.Calculate both unit groups separately.

How ToU Electricity Billing Works

A time-of-use meter stores consumption in separate registers. Your energy charge is therefore not calculated from one flat unit rate: peak units and off-peak units are multiplied by their respective applicable rates.

The final payable amount can still include FCA, QTA, taxes, fixed charges, arrears, and provider-specific items.

Which Loads Can Be Shifted?

Washing machines, water pumps, ironing, some charging loads, and planned appliance use may be moved outside peak hours. Refrigeration and essential comfort loads are less flexible.

Load shifting only helps if the connection is actually billed on a ToU tariff. A standard single-rate residential bill does not gain a tariff advantage merely because an appliance runs late at night.

Practical Checks

Confirm that the bill lists separate peak and off-peak units.
Check the current seasonal peak-hour schedule.
Shift flexible high-wattage appliances before sacrificing essential use.
Enter peak and off-peak units separately in the Bijli Hisab calculator.

Official Sources

NEPRA consumer-end applicable tariffOfficial residential ToU peak and off-peak tariff references.K-Electric tariff structureProvider tariff notifications and customer tariff information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between peak and off-peak units?

Peak units are consumed during the provider's higher-rate time window. Off-peak units are consumed outside that window and use the lower applicable ToU rate.

Are peak hours the same throughout Pakistan?

Do not assume so. Confirm the current schedule shown by your electricity provider and applicable tariff notification.

Does using electricity at night always cost less?

Only if your connection uses time-of-use billing and the usage falls in the official off-peak window.