ISLAMABAD, Aug 19: The federal government on Tuesday increased electricity tariff by three paisa per unit across the board for all consumers of eight distribution companies of Wapda with immediate effect.

However, the residential lifeline consumers using up to 50 units per month would be exempted from tariff increase as usual. The decision has come after approval from the prime minister on the determination of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) issued on July 22.

A senior government official told Dawn that a notification to this effect was issued on Tuesday. He said the tariff increase would not have retrospective effect and would come into force on Aug 19.