Govt to let consumers choose their own power supplier from 2026

The federal government is opening up the country’s electricity market, allowing consumers to choose who powers their homes and businesses, a freedom never before available in the nation’s energy history.

Starting January 2026, consumers using one megawatt or more will be able to buy electricity from any power company they prefer, ending decades of regional monopolies that often left customers with no real choice.

The announcement came during a briefing by Power Division Secretary Dr Fakhar Alam Irfan to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Power.

He said the government is “already moving towards an open electricity market,” which will promote competition and eventually bring fairer prices for consumers.

Dr Alam also shed light on one of the power sector’s biggest challenges —