NEPRA orders to remove all faulty meters

Islamabad: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has directed electricity distributors and K-Electric to remove all faulty meters within a month and ensure accurate billing and collect charges based on real data.

The NEPRA has asked electricity distribution companies to remove all meters that are faulty for two months. It has also ordered to take corrective measures in the light of the inquiry report to be prepared regarding over-billing and violation of consumer service manual and the recommendations of the inquiry report of the Government of Pakistan.

NEPRA had received complaints of over-billing and wrong billing from electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and K-Electric in the country. Another common complaint is that meter reading is being done without taking a picture.

NEPRA had summoned the power distribution companies on September 13, 2023 for a say in their cleanup, but they failed to give any satisfactory response.

The inquiry report prepared by the concerned committee was released on the official website of NEPRA on December 4, 2023. The electricity distribution companies have not done anything regarding the improvement of the situation so far.

The Power Division has constituted a committee to look into over-billing and other issues in the light of the NEPRA inquiry report. The Government Inquiry Committee's report dated December 26, 2023 was received by NEPRA on February 12, 2024.

Instead of issuing directions to the registrar for issuing show cause notices, NEPRA has decided to issue a directive in favor of all users.

NEPRA has asked all distribution agencies to implement the recommendations of the inquiry reports, remove all faulty meters, cooperate with the Power Information Technology Company and review all excess bills after June 2023. The category was also changed in these bills.

Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has also been directed to check its billing records. All distribution companies should take action against those responsible for over-billing and wrong billing.

Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Sukkur Electric Supply Company (SEPCO), Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO) and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) have also been directed to check their bill records for the interim period from July 2018 to June 2023 to pave the way for adjustment of refunds taken as a result of the error. It has also been directed to ensure transparency so that consumer rights can be prevented.

NEPRA has directed all electricity distribution companies to report within a month ensuring compliance with all guidelines. A show-cause notice will be issued against all distribution actors in case of violation of the guidelines.