Islamabad: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued a stern warning to Distribution Companies (Discos) and K-Electric to resolve consumer overbilling issues or face legal consequences.
In a letter, NEPRA referenced its earlier directives from July 30, 2024, where it instructed Discos to adjust bills issued on a pro-rata basis. These adjustments were necessitated when meter readings taken for shorter billing periods led to inflated bills upon subsequent pro-rata calculations.
The regulator highlighted that the directives stemmed from findings of an inquiry conducted by NEPRA to safeguard consumer interests. It issued further guidelines to manage billing discrepancies in cases where the billing period extends beyond the standard timeframe due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure events.
Key Provisions:
Lifeline Consumers (Up to 50 Units): If meter readings exceed 50 units (e.g., 54 units in 33 days), adjusted calculations would reduce the units to 49 for a standard 30-day billing period. The excess units will be carried forward to the next billing cycle, maintaining the lifeline status for the current month.
Lifeline Consumers (51-100 Units): For readings exceeding 100 units (e.g., 109 units in 33 days), calculations will reduce the units to 99 for a 30-day period. The remaining units will roll over, preserving lifeline status for the month.
Protected Consumers (Up to 200 Units): For readings exceeding 200 units (e.g., 208 units in 33 days), the calculated units will be reduced to 189 for a 30-day billing cycle. The additional units will be carried forward while maintaining protected status.
Higher Slab Consumers (Above 300 Units): If readings exceed 300 units (e.g., 309 units in 33 days), the calculated units for 30 days will be reduced to 281. The excess units will roll over to the next billing cycle, charged under the applicable higher slab.
NEPRA reiterated its commitment to protecting consumer rights and warned that failure to comply with these directives would result in legal action against the defaulting utilities.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
