ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Surplus Power Package, launched in December 2025 under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has significantly increased electricity consumption across industrial and agricultural sectors, while providing notable financial relief. Between December 2025 and February 2026, these sectors consumed an additional 2,164 GWh, according to the information ministry’s official statement released on Friday.
The initiative offered the lowest rate of Rs22.98 per unit on incremental electricity usage, benefiting both industries and farmers. Industrial consumers alone saved Rs19.6 billion, while agricultural users saved Rs1.14 billion, bringing the cumulative financial relief to Rs20.83 billion. Among industrial categories, B3 consumers saved the most at Rs8.76 billion, followed by B2 at Rs5.34 billion, B4 at Rs4.02 billion, and B1 at Rs1.48 billion.
The package aims to optimise available generation capacity, promote reliance on cost-effective grid electricity instead of expensive self-generation, and encourage long-term growth in energy usage. Participation among industries was substantial, with 67% of B4 large industries, 52% of B3, 48% of B2, and 43% of B1 industries availing the package. In agriculture, 34% of consumers benefited from the scheme.
In terms of energy consumption share, B1 industries led at 27%, B4 at 25%, B2 at 24%, B3 at 22%, and agriculture at 21%. The package showed immediate results, with electricity demand growing 12% year-on-year in January 2026 and 11% in February, demonstrating its effectiveness in boosting industrial reliance on grid power.
Officials highlighted that the Surplus Power Package not only reduces electricity costs for large-scale industrial and agricultural consumers but also strengthens overall energy efficiency. By providing predictable and lower electricity rates, the initiative supports economic activity while optimising Pakistan’s electricity generation resources.
The program is seen as a model for incentivising incremental electricity consumption, reducing dependence on costly self-generation, and offering direct financial benefits to consumers, ensuring sustainable growth in the energy-intensive sectors of the economy.
