1. Stay inside the Protected Slab
K-Electric charges protected consumers (≤200 units/month for 6 consecutive months) at PKR 13–22/unit, vs PKR 32–48 for unprotected. See full 2026 unit prices.
2. Shift heavy load to off-peak hours
Run your washing machine, iron and water motor between 10 PM and 6 PM. Peak hours (6 PM–10 PM in summer) carry a premium rate. See peak hours guide.
3. AC settings that cut 30% of bill
- Set thermostat to 26°C — each degree lower adds 6–10% to consumption.
- Service AC annually — dust on coils raises load by up to 20%.
- Switch to inverter AC (saves 30–50% over fixed-speed).
- Seal door/window gaps with foam tape.
4. Switch to LED & DC appliances
A 60 W incandescent = 9 W LED for the same brightness. A 75 W AC ceiling fan = 35 W DC fan. Full LED + DC fan switchover cuts a typical home by 80–150 units/month.
5. Install solar with net metering
A 5 kW grid-tied solar system generates ~600 units/month in Karachi. With KE net metering, surplus units offset your bill. Payback: 3–4 years.
6–20. Quick wins checklist
- Unplug chargers and electronics on standby.
- Use geysers only when needed; install a timer.
- Defrost the fridge every 3 months.
- Use natural light during the day — open blinds.
- Use a ceiling fan + AC together (1°C higher set point).
- Install reflective window film to cut solar heat gain.
- Plant shade trees on west-facing walls.
- Use induction stoves over electric coils.
- Avoid extension cords for high-load appliances.
- Replace old refrigerators (10+ yrs) — new ones use 40% less.
- Use top-load washers in cold water mode.
- Audit your sanctioned load to avoid MDI penalties.
- Track your bill monthly with the bill calculator.
- Submit your own meter reading to prevent estimated bills.
- Pay on time via online payment to avoid late surcharge.