A sudden jump in your electricity bill is stressful. Before assuming a mistake, it helps to go through the common causes. Most high bills come from one or more of the reasons below.
1. You used more units
The obvious one. Check the units on the bill and compare with the 12-month history. Summer AC use, guests, a new appliance, or a water pump running longer can all raise consumption.
2. You crossed a slab or lost protected status
Residential tariffs are slab-based. Crossing 200 units even once can make you an unprotected consumer for six months, raising the rate for all those months. Crossing other slab limits can also increase the rate significantly.
3. The billing period was longer
If the meter was read after 33–36 days instead of 30, you are billed for more days of consumption. This can push you into a higher slab.
4. FPA or QTA was high
Fuel Price Adjustment and Quarterly Tariff Adjustment are added per unit and can be large. FPA is often based on an earlier month's units, so a high summer month can affect a later bill.
5. Arrears were added
Unpaid amounts, a payment not credited, or a previous bill's surcharge can appear as arrears. Check whether your last payment is reflected.
6. Average or estimated billing
If the reader did not visit, the bill may be based on an estimate. The next actual reading then corrects it, often causing a spike.
7. A detection bill
If the DISCO found a meter fault or suspected tampering, it may charge extra units for past months.
8. Faulty meter or wiring
A fast-running meter, an earth leakage in wiring, or a faulty appliance (like an old fridge compressor or a leaking geyser element) can increase units.
What to do
- Photograph your meter and compare it with the present reading on the bill.
- Check the history and the reading dates.
- Turn off all appliances and see if the meter still runs — if it does, there may be a leakage.
- Visit the sub-division with your bill, CNIC and meter photo if you find an error. Submit a written complaint before the due date.
- Call 118 to register a complaint.
Prevent future surprises
Read your meter weekly, use energy-efficient appliances, and learn how your bill is calculated using our bill calculation guides.