Pakistan’s electricity subsidy policy has undergone a major change in 2025.
Now IESCO subsidy will be available only to those people who qualify through Ehsaas or BISP. Earlier, subsidy was available to everyone, but from June 2025 it has been limited to only low-income families.
The aim of this new policy is to make better use of subsidy so that only those households benefit whose monthly income is less than 25,000. So far 93 lakh low-income households have been targeted.
If you also want to take subsidy, then now this blog is a complete roadmap for you.
You can follow the How to Reduce IESCO Bill in 2025 - 10 Legal Hacks
Pakistan's electricity subsidy has now entered a new era. From June 2025, it will be possible to take discount on electricity only when your name is in Ehsaas or BISP database.
Earlier the subsidy was in blanket form, but after pressure from IMF and WB, now it is only for verified low-income families.
This system prevents wasteful spending and limits it to only needy people. This new scheme is directly benefiting lakhs of consumers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and IESCO areas, but only those who are registered in the system.
If your NSER score is 32 or less or you are a part of BISP Kafaalat or Ehsaas Emergency Cash program, then you are eligible for IESCO subsidy. Families receiving help during flood or economic crisis also get this subsidy.
If you are not in BISP but your monthly income is less than 25,000, and you are registered in NSER survey, you can still be eligible. The basis of eligibility is complete data verification.
If you are a government employee, a tax filer, or you have a lot of land or plot in your name, then you are directly disqualified. Similarly, if you use more than 300 units in a month, then you cannot get subsidy.
STOP Paying Full IESCO Bill! Claim Your Rs. 1500 Subsidy in 2025 – Here's HowAgar aap abhi bhi IESCO ka full electricity bill bhar rahe ho, to aap literally paise zaya kar rahe ho! June 2025 se hukumat ne new subsidy reforms introduce kiye hain jinke zariye eligible log har mahine Rs. 1500 tak ka discount le sakte hain – bina kisi application ke, seedha bill mein adjust hota hai. Yeh subsidy sirf un consumers ke liye hai jo Ehsaas ya BISP ke through registered hain. Agar aapka monthly income Rs. 25,000 se kam hai ya aapka NSER score 32 se neeche hai, to chances high hain ke aap qualify karte ho. Check karne ka tareeqa simple hai 8171 portal pe CNIC daalo ya SMS bhejo. Agar "Approved" status mile, to samjho aapka Rs. 3–5/unit discount ready hai. Bas apna data update rakho aur bijli ka istemal 300 units se neeche rakho. Aaj hi apna status verify karo aur next bill mein relief pao! Ye subsidy aapka haq hai… aur Dec 2025 se pehle lena zaroori bhi hai! |
The simplest way is to go to 8171.bisp.gov.pk and enter your CNIC (without dashes). After solving the captcha, the system shows your subsidy status. In the new 2025 portal, you can also upload income proof or B-form.
It is written here: “Approved: Rs. 5/unit subsidy applied” or “Not eligible due to NSER score >32.”
If you do not have internet, then you SMS your CNIC number to 8171. You will get a reply like:
“Congratulations! You qualify for IESCO subsidy. You will get Rs. 3–5/unit discount.”
Or
“We want a waiver, your NSER score is above the limit.”
If your name is not in the database, you can go to the BISP office and get it manually verified. Take along:
· Original CNIC
· NSER survey receipt
· Latest electricity bill
· Ehsaas/BISP enrollment proof
After verification, the subsidy gets automatically applied in billing.
Consumer Category | Subsidy Rate (Rs/unit) | Effective Months | Remarks |
Residential Consumers |
Rs. 11.42 to Rs. 26 |
December 2024–February 2025 |
Aimed to encourage increased electricity use during winter months. |
Commercial Consumers |
Rs. 13.46 to Rs. 22.71 |
December 2024–February 2025 |
Intended to support businesses during the winter season. |
Industrial Consumers |
Rs. 5.72 to Rs. 15.05 |
December 2024–February 2025 |
Designed to boost industrial production. |
Note: This package was announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and was applicable to IESCO consumers.
IESCO subsidy is now available in 2 tiers:
· Tier 1 (0–100 units): Rs. 5/unit discount
· Tier 2 (101–300 units): Rs. 3/unit discount
· Max benefit cap: Rs. 1,500/month
This discount reflects in the direct bill – you do not need to fill any separate voucher or form. This system has been fully activated from June 2025.
It is clear from this table that the subsidy system has gradually changed. Now it has become fully data-driven and targeted. For those who have still not updated in NSER or BISP, Dec 2025 is the last chance.
If you are looking "eligible" for 8171 but there is no discount in IESCO bill, then first verify your CNIC on IESCO subsidy portal: iesco.com.pk/subsidy. If you find any mistake, send WhatsApp complaint: 0335-111-118.
This issue generally occurs when CNIC number and consumer ID do not match or NSER info is incomplete.
If your NSER survey is incomplete, then subsidy will not be applied. Its solution is: visit the nearest BISP Tehsil Office. Take along:
· CNIC + B-form (if there are children)
· Electricity bill copy
· Mobile number (for SMS alerts)
After the survey is complete, you can recheck eligibility on 8171 portal.
IMF and World Bank say that the subsidy system will become even more automated by 2027. The discount that is currently applied on direct bills will become a direct cash transfer in the future – money will go to BISP-linked bank accounts.
The second major change will be: MEPS policy. By 2027, subsidy will be given only to those houses which have energy-efficient appliances (like inverter AC, 5-star fan). This will control wastage.
Yes! If you are a part of Ehsaas Kafaalat, Nashonuma or Emergency Cash program, then you are automatically eligible for subsidy.
you can get the benefit from government subsidy program by aaply the official website with clear document if you are elligible then you can recieve response by SMS alert.
No. First activate the status of BISP/Ehsaas. You can check your eligibility again by sending an SMS to 8171.
You can appeal by visiting the BISP office by filling Form 12-S. Also carry a copy of the IESCO bill. The decision is received within 15 days.
It is mandatory to update the NSER survey every 3 years. If your data is outdated, you may be "de-listed", due to which the subsidy may be stopped.
Make it a habit to keep your electricity consumption less than 300 units. Using more units gets you automatically disqualified. And yes – get the expired CNICs renewed within 7 days from NADRA so that there is no data mismatch issue.
IESCO subsidy system is now fully linked with BISP/Ehsaas data, and it is compulsory to verify everything by Dec 2025. If you are eligible, check your status now via 8171 portal or SMS – otherwise the bills can be quite heavy in the coming months.
Do share this guide with your neighbors, family, and friends – because many people are eligible but they don’t know!
Helplines:
BISP: 0800-26477
IESCO Subsidy Cell: 051-9252933
To check your electricity bill online in Pakistan, you can visit the website for your electricity provider and enter your 14-digit reference number. You can find your reference number on any previous bill.
You can check your Sui Gas bill online by visiting the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) website or the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) website, and entering your 10-digit consumer number.
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