The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has uncovered serious irregularities in billing and meter readings by the power distribution companies (Discos), prompting swift action to rectify the issue.
In a meeting chaired by Nepra Chairman Wasim Mukhtar and attended by Authority members and CEOs of state-owned Discos, discrepancies in billing were acknowledged. The Discos' CEOs assured that actions were underway against those responsible for the irregularities.
The regulator directed all power distribution companies, including K-Electric, to urgently address overbilling issues and provide relief to consumers.
An evaluation of consumer complaints revealed several key issues – including differences in meter readings, unclear information on bills, and variations between due dates and meter reading dates, all contributing to overbilling.
The committee is expected to submit a detailed report within one month.
CEOs of Discos explained the reasons behind the irregularities and reported that actions against the responsible officers/officials were already in progress.
Apart from tariff increases, other factors contributing to inflated bills include overbilling, meter readings taken after the due date, and unclear meter reading pictures.
It is pertinent to mention here that numerous electricity consumers filed complaints with Nepra, primarily related to ‘incorrect meter readings’ leading to overbilling.
In some regions, electricity bills are determined based on estimated readings due to staff shortages, rather than using camera meter readings. Consumers in remote areas of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan reported a lack of meter reader visits, receiving bills based on assumptions.
Some consumers even caught Discos employees conducting meter readings after the due date, resulting in unwarranted charges on their bills.
In recent weeks, electricity consumers across Pakistan have been protesting inflated bills, leading the government to announce various measures to address the issue. However, the government's ability to provide relief is constrained, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved relief only for consumers using up to 200 units, despite the government's desire to extend it to those using up to 400 units.
Under the IMF-approved plan, Discos will be allowed to collect electricity bills in installments.
