LALAMUSA: A fresh notification on fixed electricity charges and tariff restructuring has triggered widespread concern across District Gujrat, with residents terming the move an added burden amid rising inflation.
Under the new decision of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, mandatory monthly fixed charges have been imposed, including on protected consumers using up to 100 units. Low-income households will now pay an additional Rs200 to Rs300 regardless of consumption.
Citizens argue that while domestic consumers face new levies, industrial tariffs have been reduced from Rs33 to around Rs29.54 per unit, shifting the financial burden onto households. They point out that fixed charges for high-consumption users have been reduced, while new charges have been introduced for smaller consumers. In Gujrat, Lalamusa and Kharian, traders and residents have voiced concern that rising utility costs are straining household budgets and small businesses. Many people have demanded the government to review the decision, warning that continued increases could deepen economic hardship for the middle and lower-income segments.
