IESCO Islamabad / Rawalpindi – Updated 2026

IESCO Peak Hours Islamabad 2026 – Electricity Peak & Off-Peak Timings to Save Money

Q: What are IESCO peak hours in Islamabad?

IESCO peak hours in Islamabad are typically from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. During summer, peak hours may extend from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Last updated: May 2026 | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal

Did you know? Shifting your electricity usage from peak hours to off-peak hours can save you 15-30% on your monthly IESCO bill. Learn when electricity is cheaper in your area.

What Are Peak Hours and Off-Peak Hours?

Peak hours are times when electricity demand is highest. During these hours, electricity rates are higher because the power grid is under maximum stress.

Off-peak hours are times when electricity demand is low. During these hours, electricity is cheaper (if you are on Time-of-Use tariff or can shift usage to reduce overall demand).

PEAK HOURS

Higher Rates

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Highest electricity demand

OFF-PEAK HOURS

Lower Rates

11:00 PM - 5:00 PM (next day)

Best time for heavy appliances

IESCO Peak Hours Schedule 2026

IESCO follows a Time-of-Use (TOU) tariff structure for certain consumer categories. Below is the complete peak and off-peak schedule:

Time Period	Category	Electricity Rate	Best For
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM	PEAK HOURS	Highest rate (+25-35%)	Avoid heavy usage
11:00 PM – 7:00 AM	OFF-PEAK (Night)	Lowest rate (-15-25%)	Water heaters, washing machines, EV charging
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM	OFF-PEAK (Day)	Standard rate	Normal daily usage

Note: Peak hours may extend during summer months (June-August) due to increased AC usage. Winter peak hours are typically shorter.

Seasonal Peak Hour Variations in IESCO Region

Season	Peak Hours	Duration	Reason
Summer (June-August)	6:00 PM – 12:00 AM	6 hours	High AC usage, longer daylight
Winter (December-February)	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	5 hours	Heater usage, earlier sunset
Ramadan	4:00 PM – 8:00 PM 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM	2+2 hours	Sehri and Iftar preparation
Spring/Autumn	5:00 PM – 11:00 PM	6 hours	Standard schedule

Area-Wise Peak Hours for Major Cities in IESCO Region

City/Area	Typical Peak Hours	Off-Peak Hours	Special Notes
Islamabad (Sectors)	6:00 PM – 11:00 PM	11:00 PM – 6:00 PM (next day)	Lower load shedding, consistent supply
Rawalpindi (Cantt/Saddar)	5:30 PM – 10:30 PM	10:30 PM – 5:30 PM (next day)	Commercial areas have different patterns
Attock	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	10:00 PM – 5:00 PM (next day)	Rural feeder variations
Jhelum	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	10:00 PM – 5:00 PM (next day)	Industrial area considerations
Chakwal	6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	10:00 PM – 6:00 PM (next day)	Load shedding affects peak hours
Wah Cantt	5:30 PM – 10:30 PM	10:30 PM – 5:30 PM (next day)	Industrial and residential mix

How Much Can You Save by Avoiding Peak Hours?

Example Calculation

Let's say you use these appliances during peak hours vs off-peak hours:

Air Conditioner (1.5 ton) – 1,500 watts × 5 hours = 7.5 kWh
Washing Machine – 500 watts × 1 hour = 0.5 kWh
Water Heater/Geyser – 2,000 watts × 1 hour = 2 kWh
Iron – 1,000 watts × 0.5 hour = 0.5 kWh

Total daily usage: 10.5 kWh

If used during PEAK hours: 10.5 kWh × Rs 33 = Rs 346 per day

If shifted to OFF-PEAK hours: 10.5 kWh × Rs 25 = Rs 262 per day

Daily savings: Rs 84 | Monthly savings: Rs 2,520 | Yearly savings: Rs 30,240

Pro Tip: Use our IESCO Bill Calculator to see exactly how much you can save by shifting your usage to off-peak hours.

Appliances to Shift to Off-Peak Hours

These heavy appliances consume the most electricity. Run them during off-peak hours to save money:

Air Conditioners
Run at 26°C, use sleep timer

Water Geyser / Heater
Set timer for early morning

Washing Machine
Use overnight timer

Electric Vehicle Charging
Charge overnight

Refrigerator
Keep full, set optimal temperature

Oven / Microwave
Use during afternoon off-peak

How to Track Real-Time IESCO Peak Hours

IESCO Official Website: Visit iesco.com.pk for tariff notifications and peak hour announcements.
IESCO Mobile App: Download the official IESCO app for real-time updates.
NEPRA Website: Check nepra.org.pk for official Time-of-Use tariff notifications.
Your Electricity Bill: Peak hour timings are often printed on the back of your IESCO bill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are IESCO peak hours in Islamabad?

IESCO peak hours in Islamabad are typically from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. During summer, peak hours may extend from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Is electricity cheaper at night in IESCO?

Yes, if you are on a Time-of-Use tariff, electricity rates are lower during off-peak hours (11:00 PM to 5:00 PM next day). Check your latest bill to see if you are on TOU tariff.

How can I check if my area has peak hour load shedding?

Load shedding schedules are separate from peak hour tariffs. Download the IESCO mobile app or visit their website to check your feeder's load shedding schedule. For more details, see our guide on checking bills online.

Does IESCO have different peak hours for commercial users?

Yes, commercial and industrial consumers may have different peak hour schedules. Check your specific tariff notification from IESCO or NEPRA.

How much can I save by shifting to off-peak hours?

Typical savings range from 15-30% on your electricity bill. A household using 500 units per month can save Rs 2,000-4,000 monthly by shifting heavy appliances to off-peak hours.

What is the best time to run AC in Islamabad?

The best time to run your AC is during off-peak hours (after 11:00 PM). Set your AC temperature to 26°C and use the sleep timer for maximum efficiency.

Is solar worth it in IESCO region?

Yes, with high electricity rates, solar net metering can eliminate your electricity bill. Use our Solar Savings Calculator to see your potential savings.

Quick Reference: IESCO Peak Hours Summary

Peak (Summer)

6:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Avoid heavy usage

Off-Peak

11:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Best for heavy appliances

Peak (Winter)

5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Shorter duration

Best Savings

After 11:00 PM

Run washer, geyser, AC