Govt Approves Rs. 10.8 Billion Package to Waive Power Bills for Flood Victims

The federal cabinet has approved a Rs. 10.8 billion ($39 million) relief package aimed at easing the financial strain on electricity consumers in areas ravaged by the recent floods. The decision comes in the wake of devastating floods triggered by intense monsoon rains and glacial melt in August and September 2025, which left a trail of destruction across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Entire communities have been grappling with the loss of homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. Under the approved package, domestic electricity consumers in officially declared flood-affected regions will see their August 2025 electricity bills completely waived. Those who have already paid their bills for that month will receive refunds in upcoming billing cycles. Commercial, industrial, and agricultural consumers in these areas will not receive a waiver but will benefit from a deferral of their August bills. Repayments for these consumers will be distributed evenly over seven months, from December 2025 through June 2026, providing much-needed breathing room for businesses and farmers struggling to recover. To fund the initiative, the cabinet authorized the immediate release of Rs. 10.8 billion as an advance subsidy to the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G). Of this, Rs. 10.4 billion is earmarked for the bill waivers, while Rs. 464 million will be used to offset the financial impact of the deferred payments. Officials say the relief package is designed to help flood-affected families and businesses recover and rebuild as the country begins the long process of recovery and reconstruction.