If you are a K-Electric consumer in Karachi with a sanctioned load of 5kW or above (typically 3-phase connections), you are billed under the Time of Use (TOU) regime. This means your electricity rate depends on when you use it – peak hours are expensive, off-peak hours are cheaper. This guide explains everything about KE peak hours, unit prices, net billing, and how to save money.
| Season | Peak Hours (Higher Rate) | Off-Peak Hours (Cheaper Rate) |
|---|---|---|
| April – October (Summer) | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Remaining 20 hours (10:30 PM – 6:30 PM next day) |
| November – March (Winter) | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Remaining 20 hours (10:00 PM – 6:00 PM next day) |
Use this simple calculator to see how shifting usage from peak to off-peak hours can reduce your bill.
Peak rate: ~Rs 42/unit | Off-peak rate: ~Rs 30/unit. These are approximate TOU rates for non-protected consumers.
KE follows NEPRA's domestic tariff slabs. Your final unit price depends on your total monthly consumption (protected vs non-protected) plus TOU rates if applicable.
| Monthly Units | Protected Rate (≤200 units) | Non-Protected Rate | Fixed Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 50 | Rs 3.95 | Rs 3.95 | Rs 0 (Lifeline) |
| 51 – 100 | Rs 7.74 | Rs 7.74 | Rs 200 |
| 101 – 200 | Rs 13.01 | Rs 13.01 | Rs 300 |
| 201 – 300 | - | Rs 33.10 | Rs 400 |
| 301 – 400 | - | Rs 37.99 | Rs 400 |
| 401 – 500 | - | Rs 40.22 | Rs 400 |
| 500+ | - | Rs 42.50 | Rs 400 |
For TOU customers, peak rates are approximately Rs 42/unit and off-peak Rs 30/unit. Use our full KE bill calculator for exact estimates including FCA.
Enter your units to get a quick estimate (base tariff only, excluding FCA).
Net billing (often confused with net metering) refers to how your bill is calculated when you have solar panels. Under KE's net metering policy, you are billed only for your net consumption (units imported from grid minus units exported). If you export more than you import, you receive a credit that carries forward to the next month.
Example: If you consume 500 units but your solar exports 200 units, you are billed for only 300 units. This can reduce your bill by 40-60%.
For solar net metering application process, read our complete guide →
KESC (Karachi Electric Supply Company) was rebranded to K-Electric in 2010. The peak hours policy has remained consistent: summer evenings (6:30 PM – 10:30 PM) and winter evenings (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM). Long-time Karachi residents still refer to "KESC peak hours" – the timings are exactly the same as KE's current TOU schedule.