NEPRA chairman directed to decide electricity bills’ relief plea within three weeks

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday ordered the Chairman of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to render a decision within 21 days concerning applications seeking respite from excessive electricity bills.

Justice Raza Qureshi of the LHC passed the orders while hearing a petition submitted by Advocate Mian Abdul Mateen. The other people also approached the high court to seek relief in the electricity bills.

The applications were lodged in response to a significant escalation in electricity rates, leading to inflated bills for consumers.

During the court session, specific instructions were given to the Nepra Chairman to meticulously review the grievances presented by the petitioners and subsequently take a decision.

In a bid to address the uproar caused by exorbitant electricity bills, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar is set to preside over a second meeting today. The session aims to formulate strategies to counter the issue and provide relief.

Detailed consultations would be held with the participation of chief ministers to strategize electricity conservation efforts and address the heightened electricity bills incurred in July.

As part of the discussion, a comprehensive list of individuals and institutions benefiting from free electricity will be presented.

The Prime Minister's Office conveyed that following an emergency meeting convened under the leadership of PM Kakar on Sunday, a deliberate approach was adopted to avoid any hasty actions that could adversely impact the nation.

The Prime Minister urged authorities to take tangible measures to curtail inflated electricity bills and present a detailed plan within the next 48 hours.