Time-of-Use Peak & Off-Peak Bill Estimate
Households with sanctioned load around 5 kW or above are often billed on a Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff instead of progressive slabs. Peak evening hours cost more; the rest of the day uses a lower off-peak rate. MEPCODBill's calculator is an independent estimate — not live official billing.
Enter peak and off-peak kWh separately (from your digital meter or bill), then optional FPA, QTA, fixed charge and TV fee. Rates shown on the form are planning assumptions — verify against your bill and NEPRA tariff schedules. Seasonal timings: peak hours guide.
How the Tool Works (Step-by-Step)
- Read peak (T-1) and off-peak (T-2) kWh for the period.
- Enter both totals in the form above.
- Copy FPA/QTA Rs/unit and fixed charge from a recent bill if available.
- The tool multiplies peak × peak rate and off-peak × off-peak rate, then approximates ED, GST and fees.
- Review the advice tip on peak share — shift heavy loads outside peak windows when practical.
Inputs Explained
- Peak units — kWh recorded during the designated evening peak window.
- Off-peak units — all other kWh in the billing period.
- FPA / QTA / fixed / TV — user-supplied; defaults are editable approximations.
Formulas in Plain English
Peak cost ≈ peak kWh × peak rate
Off-peak cost ≈ off-peak kWh × off-peak rate
Adjustments ≈ total kWh × (FPA + QTA) · then ED + GST + fixed + TV
Understanding Peak vs. Off-Peak Rates
ToU discourages usage when the grid is stressed in the evening by charging a higher per-unit rate in that window.
Peak Hours (High Cost)
During these hours the per-unit energy charge is higher. This calculator uses a planning peak rate of about Rs. 46.85/kWh before GST and surcharges — that is an editable assumption in spirit (hardcoded default for math), not a claim of the current NEPRA notification. Confirm the figure on your bill or the official NEPRA tariff schedule.
Off-Peak Hours (Lower Cost)
For the remaining hours, this tool applies a planning off-peak rate of about Rs. 34.53/kWh. Unlike progressive slabs, ToU energy charges are typically flat within each window — but FPA/QTA, fixed charges and taxes still move the printed total. Always verify on your invoice.
Unlike unprotected slab consumers, ToU consumers usually pay flat peak and off-peak energy rates within each window, so the last off-peak unit is charged at the same energy rate as the first. Fixed charges, FPA/QTA and GST still apply on top.
Typical Peak Hour Windows
ToU peak windows vary by season and tariff; confirm on your bill or NEPRA schedule. The table below is a typical / illustrative XWDISCO-style seasonal pattern — see the peak hours guide for load-shift steps.
| Season / Months | Typical peak window |
|---|---|
| December – February | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| March – May | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| June – August | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| September – November | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
The Solar Net-Metering Connection
If you have a solar grid-tied system with a green bi-directional meter installed in the MEPCO region, you automatically fall under the ToU billing structure. Your solar system generates power strictly during the day (Off-Peak hours). Therefore, the electricity you export to MEPCO is credited at the Off-Peak rate.
If you consume grid electricity heavily during the evening Peak hours when the sun is down, you will be billed at the exorbitant Peak rate. Because the Peak rate is much higher than the Off-Peak credit rate, you could still receive a substantial MEPCO bill even if your solar panels exported more total units than you consumed over the month. Managing evening load is non-negotiable for solar owners.
Actionable Strategies to Slash Your Bill
- Delay Heavy Appliances: Never run washing machines, water pumps (motors), or electric irons between 6 PM and 11 PM. Wait until the off-peak period begins.
- Pre-Cool Your Home: If you use inverter Air Conditioners, turn them on at 4:30 PM to deeply cool the rooms at the cheaper off-peak rate. Once peak hours hit, turn the thermostat up or switch to fans.
- Utilize Timers: Install smart plugs or rely on the built-in delay timers in modern washing machines to ensure they only operate past midnight.
- Charge Batteries Smartly: If you use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or home battery system, configure the inverter to avoid charging from the grid during peak hours.
When Results Differ from Official Bills
Estimates diverge when peak/off-peak rates or FPA/QTA on the bill differ from the form defaults, when net-metering credits apply, or when arrears and meter rent appear. For slab (non-ToU) connections use the bill calculator instead.
How this estimate works
Core logic
Peak cost ≈ peak kWh × peak rate; Off-peak ≈ off-peak kWh × off-peak rate; then + FPA/QTA + ED/GST/fixed/TV
Assumptions
- You enter peak and off-peak kWh separately from a digital meter or bill
- Form rates for peak/off-peak, FPA, QTA and fixed charge are editable planning assumptions
- Taxes and fees use the same simplified domestic approximations as other MEPCODBill estimators
Limitations
- Seasonal peak windows shown on this page are illustrative — confirm the window printed on your bill or NEPRA schedule
- Not an official ToU billing engine; net-metering credits, arrears and meter rent are not fully modelled
- Estimate totals can diverge when approved rates differ from form defaults
This calculator runs entirely in your browser. Inputs are not uploaded to our servers.
Sources & verification
Official sources sit above third-party summaries. Open these pages to confirm the current figure or process.
- NEPRA Tariff SchedulesConfirm current ToU peak/off-peak rates and seasonal windows
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did MEPCO change my connection to a ToU meter?▼
According to NEPRA regulations, any domestic consumer whose approved electrical load hits or exceeds 5 kilowatts (kW) must be transitioned from a standard single-phase meter to a three-phase Time-of-Use (ToU) meter. This usually happens if you install multiple Air Conditioners and apply for a load extension.
How do I check peak units on my digital meter?▼
On a standard three-phase digital meter in Pakistan, the screen cycles through various metrics. Look for the screen displaying 'T-1' or 'Peak' to see your peak kilowatt-hours (kWh). The 'T-2' or 'Off-Peak' screen will display your total off-peak units consumed.
Is the General Sales Tax (GST) applied differently for ToU consumers?▼
No, taxation methodology is similar: GST is typically applied to the combined taxable energy, adjustments and fixed charges. Because peak units cost more, heavy peak use inflates both energy cost and the GST portion of the estimate.