MEPCO Peak Hours (TOU) 2026 – Timings and How to Save
What Are MEPCO Peak Hours?
Peak hours are the times of day when electricity demand across Pakistan is at its highest. During these hours, the electricity grid is under maximum stress, and MEPCO (like all Pakistani electricity companies) faces the greatest supply-demand challenge.
For consumers on the Time-of-Use (TOU) tariff, electricity during peak hours is charged at a higher rate than during off-peak hours. For standard tariff consumers, peak hours are important primarily for managing load shedding patterns.
MEPCO Peak Hours 2026
Based on NEPRA guidelines, Pakistan electricity peak hours are typically:
- Morning Peak: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening Peak: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The evening peak (6 PM – 10 PM) is the most critical when millions of homes turn on lights, ACs, and TVs simultaneously. This period often coincides with maximum load shedding in MEPCO areas.
What is TOU (Time-of-Use) Tariff?
TOU tariff is a pricing system where electricity costs differ based on the time of day you use it. Under TOU:
- Peak hours: Higher rate per unit (expensive electricity)
- Off-peak hours: Lower rate per unit (cheaper electricity)
TOU tariff is currently available for certain commercial and industrial consumers in Pakistan. NEPRA has been working toward introducing TOU for domestic consumers as part of smart metering initiatives.
Off-Peak Hours – When Electricity is Cheapest
Off-peak hours in Pakistan are generally:
- Late night: 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM
- Mid-morning: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (lower demand period)
Running heavy appliances during off-peak hours (especially for TOU consumers) results in significantly lower electricity costs.
How to Save by Shifting to Off-Peak Hours
- Washing Machine: Run at night (11 PM – 6 AM) instead of evening
- Iron: Iron clothes in the morning rather than evening
- Oven/Microwave Cooking: Cook lunch instead of dinner with heavy appliances
- EV Charging: Charge electric vehicles overnight
- Water Pump: Fill water tanks at night or early morning
- Geyser: Set timer to heat water at night for morning use
Peak Hours and Load Shedding
Even for consumers on flat-rate (non-TOU) tariff, peak hours matter because they directly correlate with maximum load shedding. MEPCO typically implements the most load shedding during peak hours when demand exceeds available supply. Reducing your usage during peak hours contributes to less load shedding in your area.
Smart Meters and Future TOU for Domestic Consumers
MEPCO is gradually rolling out smart meters that record hourly consumption data. Once smart meters are widespread, domestic consumers may be offered optional TOU tariffs that reward off-peak usage with lower rates. Consumers who shift their usage patterns now will be well-prepared to benefit from this when it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Am I currently on TOU tariff with MEPCO?
A: Most domestic MEPCO consumers are on flat-rate tariff. TOU is currently primarily for commercial and industrial consumers. Check your bill for your tariff category.
Q: Does avoiding peak hours reduce my MEPCO bill currently?
A: For flat-rate domestic consumers, shifting usage times does not directly change the rate. However, reducing peak-hour usage helps reduce load shedding and is good practice for future TOU tariffs.
Q: What is the peak rate vs off-peak rate under TOU tariff?
A: Peak and off-peak rates under TOU tariff are set by NEPRA and differ by consumer category. Contact your MEPCO Sub-Division or check NEPRA's latest tariff determination for current TOU rates applicable to your category.