Pakistan, June 30 -- ISLAMABAD - In a move aimed at providing relief to electricity consumers, the federal government has proposed a Rs1.15 per unit reduction in power rates starting from July 1. The proposal, submitted to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), excludes the lowest 'lifeline' users who consume up to 50 units per month.

Nepra has scheduled a public hearing on July 1 to review the proposal before final approval. If accepted, the cut will apply to residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and bulk users, with reductions ranging from 3% to 10% based on usage categories.

According to the Power Division, lifeline consumers will continue paying Rs3.95 per unit for up to 50 units, and Rs7.74 for 51 to...