ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has uncovered that millions of consumers across Pakistan were subjected to inflated electricity bills between April and June. This occurred as they lost access to subsidized rates and slab benefits, a direct result of extended pro rata billing practices.
A report by the Power Information Technology Company (PITC) revealed that power companies, including Karachi Electric (KE), expanded pro rata billing beyond its intended scope. Initially designed to adjust bills for periods exceeding 30 days, it was instead applied to periods under 30 days, affecting consumer classifications and tariff rates.
NEPRA observed that this adjustment reclassified many consumers from “protected” to unprotected categories and from lifeline to non-lifeline, resulting in higher tariffs. The pro rata adjustments scaled up readings for fewer days to a 30-31 day period, impacting billing amounts.
Consumers, particularly lifeline users (up to 50 units per month), were forced to pay almost double rates due to being pushed out of their monthly ceilings. Additionally, ex-WAPDA distribution companies (Discos) and KE failed to replace defective meters within the mandated two-month period, leading to average billing and further inflated charges.
NEPRA directed power companies to correct the pro-rated bills within 30 days, ensure no late payment surcharges for affected consumers, and replace defective meters promptly. Consumers who paid bills with late fees are to be compensated. The regulator emphasized strict adherence to accurate meter readings and billing practices, with no compensation for losses incurred by power companies during this process.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
