National ( The cow news digital ) Official documents from Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy have revealed that electricity consumers across the country paid more than Rs19 trillion in taxes over the past three years, highlighting the growing financial burden on power users.
According to the data, distribution companies (DISCOs) collected massive tax revenues from consumers between fiscal years 2022–23 and 2024–25. In 2022–23 alone, electricity users were charged approximately Rs5.07 trillion in taxes, while in 2023–24 the amount rose further to around Rs6.98 trillion.
The figures show that in the most recent year, tax collections from electricity consumers exceeded Rs7 trillion, reflecting a continued upward trend in energy-related charges and levies passed on to end users.
Among regional distribution companies, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) collected Rs2.32 trillion in taxes over the three-year period. The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) reported the highest share, collecting over Rs5.32 trillion during the same timeframe.
Other major contributors include the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), which collected approximately Rs2.40 trillion, and the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), which reported tax collections of around Rs3.07 trillion.
The Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) collected Rs3.23 trillion in taxes from consumers over three years, while the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) accounted for Rs1.51 trillion during the same period.
In smaller distribution regions, the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) collected Rs57.58 billion, the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) Rs24.28 billion, and the Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO) Rs1.55 billion. The Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) recorded Rs34.46 billion in tax collections.
The data underscores the significant indirect taxation embedded in electricity bills, which continues to be a major source of government revenue. However, it has also raised concerns among consumers already facing high energy costs, inflation, and rising utility tariffs.
Analysts suggest that the increasing reliance on electricity bills as a taxation channel places additional pressure on households and businesses, potentially affecting economic activity and public sentiment.
