Karachi, July 31, 2024: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has confirmed that all power distribution companies (DISCOs), including K-Electric, engaged in electricity overbilling in April and June, and has demanded explanations from the companies.
In an official notification, NEPRA announced plans to instruct all distribution companies to adjust consumer bills based on the actual units consumed. The notification stated that the companies overcharged consumers beyond their actual usage in April and June, violating NEPRA’s regulations. Consequently, the companies must rectify the bills to reflect actual consumption.
NEPRA also directed the companies to refrain from charging late payment surcharges from consumers who were unable to pay their bills on time. Those who paid their bills with late payment surcharges will have their bills adjusted accordingly.
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Additionally, the notification mandated the immediate replacement of all defective meters to prevent future overbilling. The companies are required to submit a compliance report to NEPRA within 30 days.
Over 0.3 million power consumers moved out of the protected category and faced inflated electricity bills in June due to a new billing system implemented by DISCOs under the Ministry of Energy’s directive. The protected category consumers typically receive benefits like subsidized rates or exemptions from price increases.
On July 6, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the FIA to investigate officials and officers of power distribution companies involved in overcharging consumers. He emphasized that those responsible for adding extra units to the bills should be punished, particularly those affecting protected consumers using below 200 units per month.
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi ordered the FIA to collect data from all distribution companies to provide relief to protected consumers. He expressed concern over the reclassification of protected users and directed FIA directors to compile and submit reports within three days.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) summoned Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) Chief Shahid Haider, along with the director of customer services, director of IT, and officials from the energy ministry, to investigate the overbilling. The FIA is required to submit its findings to the prime minister within 24 hours.
