If you live in Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, or the surrounding districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, your electricity is supplied by the Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZECO). While electricity is a necessity, understanding the monthly bill can feel like decoding a secret language.
From Fuel Price Adjustments (FPA) to the concept of "Protected Consumers," the billing structure in Pakistan has evolved significantly in recent years. This comprehensive guide is designed to help residents of the Hazara region understand their consumption, reduce their costs, and utilize digital services effectively.
1. HAZECO Operational Jurisdiction
HAZECO was carved out of PESCO to ensure better grid management for the Hazara region. It serves a diverse geographical area ranging from the industrial hubs of Haripur to the mountainous terrains of Kohistan.
- Abbottabad Circle: Covers Abbottabad city and surrounding hill stations.
- Mansehra Circle: Covers Mansehra, Battagram, and Torghar.
- Haripur Circle: Focuses on the industrial zones and Hattar.
2. Decoding the Taxes on Your Bill
Have you ever noticed that your bill amount is significantly higher than the cost of electricity you actually used? This is due to government taxes and surcharges. Here is a breakdown of the common terms found on a HAZECO bill:
- FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment) This is the difference between the estimated fuel cost and the actual fuel cost of power generation. It is usually added 2 months in arrears. If oil prices spike globally, your FPA increases.
- TR Surcharge (Tariff Rationalization) This is the difference between the NEPRA-determined tariff and the Government of Pakistan's notified tariff. It is essentially a subsidy adjustment.
- FC Surcharge (Financing Cost) A charge collected to pay off the debt servicing of Power Holding Private Limited. It is currently set at 43 paisa per unit.
- QTR Tariff Adj / DMA Quarterly Tariff Adjustment. This is applied every three months to adjust for capacity charges and transmission losses.
- TV Fee A standard Rs. 35 charge specifically for the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV).
3. Protected vs. Unprotected Consumers
In the current billing structure, the most critical factor for domestic users is the "Protected" status. This status offers significantly lower rates per unit.
How to stay "Protected":
To maintain protected status, your electricity consumption must remain below 200 units for 6 consecutive months. Once you exceed 200 units in a month, you may be moved to the "Unprotected" category, where the base tariff is much higher.
💡 Pro Tip: Struggling to keep your units low? Read our verified guide on Smart Ways to Reduce Your HAZECO Bill to learn which appliances to turn off during peak hours.
4. Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours (For TOU Meters)
If you have a 3-phase digital meter or a Time-of-Use (TOU) meter installed, you are charged differently depending on the time of day. Electricity is most expensive during "Peak Hours."
| Season | Peak Hours (Expensive) | Off-Peak Hours (Cheaper) |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Remaining 20 hours |
| March to May | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Remaining 20 hours |
| June to August | 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Remaining 20 hours |
| September to November | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Remaining 20 hours |
Note: Avoiding heavy appliances (AC, Iron, Water Pump) during peak hours can reduce your bill by up to 25%.
5. How to Check and Pay HAZECO Bills Online
Physical bills often get lost or arrive late, especially in remote areas of Kohistan or Battagram. Fortunately, digital solutions are available.
Downloading a Duplicate Bill
To view your current electricity dues, you need your 14-digit reference number. You do not need to visit the WAPDA office or stand in line.
Need your current bill immediately?
You can view, download, and print your latest duplicate bill for free using our dedicated tool.
Check HAZECO Bill OnlinePayment Methods
Once you have downloaded your bill from hazecobill.pk, you can pay it via:
- Mobile Wallets: JazzCash, Easypaisa, SadaPay.
- Banking Apps: HBL, UBL, Meezan Bank (Bill Payment > Electricity > HAZECO).
- Post Office: Any GPO in Abbottabad or Mansehra.
6. Reporting Faults and Complaints
If you experience frequent load shedding beyond the announced schedule or have a transformer fault, you can contact the HAZECO complaint cells.
It is advisable to check your bill online first to ensure your connection hasn't been suspended due to non-payment. If the bill is clear, you can lodge a complaint via the PITC helpline (118) or the local SDO office.