Islamabad: A major scandal involving overbilling of electricity consumers has been uncovered in the country, with consumers being charged billions of rupees through an overbilling scheme.
According to sources, Pakistan has witnessed its biggest scandal of its kind in the name of overbilling, where consumers were charged additional amounts through overbilling despite already expensive electricity.
In August, distribution companies overcharged electricity consumers by billions of rupees. NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) took notice of the overbilling issue in August and decided to conduct an inquiry. According to NEPRA, the inquiry report confirmed the occurrence of overbilling in the bills of August. Electricity distribution companies involved in the overbilling scheme were identified.
All distribution companies deceived the poor public through overbilling. According to NEPRA, the highest instances of overbilling occurred in Lesco and Hesco regions. Protected consumers were charged unprotected rates, and delaying tactics were employed in readings for overbilling. Deliberate delays of 3 to 4 days in readings were used instead of the scheduled dates. In addition to Lesco and Hesco, other distribution companies also engaged in overbilling. Overbilling was also carried out with unprotected consumers, and extra charges were levied for meter changes in various distribution companies.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has decided to make the report on overbilling by distribution companies public. NEPRA will finalize the report before releasing it to the public.
It is noteworthy that NEPRA had taken notice of the overbilling issue in the direction of distribution companies in September. NEPRA received a large number of complaints from consumers regarding overbilling. According to sources, the authority formed an inquiry committee to
