An electricity bill in Pakistan is full of numbers, codes and charges that confuse most people. But once you understand each section, you can check for mistakes, know exactly what you are paying for, and even find ways to pay less. Here is every important section of your bill, explained in simple words.
1. Reference Number and Consumer ID
At the top of the bill you will find the reference number — a 14-digit number for most companies (13 digits for K-Electric) — and the consumer ID. The reference number is the most important number on the bill: you need it to check your IESCO bill online, pay through apps, and complain about any problem. It never c
6. FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment)
This line shows the extra fuel cost charge for the month, calculated per unit. It changes every month with world fuel prices. We have explained it fully in our guide on what FPA means on your electricity bill.
7. Taxes, Surcharges and Fixed Charges
Below the energy charges you will see several smaller lines: GST (general sales tax) charged as a percentage of the bill, TV licence fee (a fixed amount every month), meter rent, and sometimes extra surcharges. These are fixed by the government and apply to everyone. They can add 15 to 20 percent on top of your energy charges, which is why the final bill is always higher than units multiplied by the rate.
8. Arrears and Adjustments
If you did not pay last month’s bill fully, the remaining amount appears as arrears, often with a late-payment surcharge. Adjustments are corrections — for example, if the company overcharged you earlier, a negative adjustment reduces this bill. Always check this section: unpaid arrears grow fast because of surcharges.
9. Payable Within Due Date vs After Due Date
Your bill shows two amounts: the lower amount payable within the due date, and a higher amount payable after the due date. The difference is the late-payment surcharge. Paying even one day late means you pay the higher amount, so always pay before the due date. The due date is printed clearly — usually about two weeks after the bill is issued.
10. Last Payment and Bill History
Many bills show your last payment amount and date, and sometimes a small history of past units. This helps you confirm your previous payment was received. If you paid but the bill still shows arrears, contact the company with your payment receipt.
Quick Checklist for Every Bill
Each month, check these five things: (1) the reference number is yours, (2) the meter reading matches your meter, (3) the units look normal for your usage, (4) your tariff and protected status are correct, and (5) there are no unknown arrears. If anything looks wrong, complain to your company right away — and you can always view your latest LESCO bill or check your QESCO bill online to double-check the numbers. A bill you understand is a bill you can control.
hanges, so save it on your phone.
2. Consumer Name, Address and Tariff
This section shows the name on the connection, the address, the tariff (for example A-1 for homes) and whether you are a protected or unprotected consumer. Always check that the name and tariff are correct — a wrong tariff can silently increase your bill. Read our protected vs unprotected guide to understand what your category means.
3. Billing Month, Bill Number and Meter Number
Every bill is for one billing month, with its own bill number. The meter number identifies your physical meter. If you ever complain about a reading, the company will ask for both numbers, so keep a photo of one old bill.
4. Meter Readings and Units Consumed
The bill shows the previous meter reading and the current meter reading. The difference between them is the units you consumed this month. Always compare the current reading on the bill with your actual meter — if the bill reading is higher than the real meter, you are being overcharged and should complain immediately.
5. Energy Charges and Slabs
Electricity is priced in slabs: the first block of units is cheaper and later units cost more. Your bill breaks your units into these slabs and shows the rate and amount for each. This is why using 301 units costs much more per unit than using 150 — the extra units fall into expensive slabs.
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