Islamabad: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has identified significant discrepancies in the data provided by Distribution Companies (Discos) and K-Electric (KE) regarding overcharged consumers. The overbilling occurred due to meter readings beyond the defined billing cycle and the incorrect application of the pro-rata mechanism, sources revealed.
NEPRA had previously instructed Discos through letters issued on February 23, 2024, and July 30, 2024, to adjust bills for affected consumers. These adjustments were mandated to address inflated bills caused by meter readings exceeding the standard 30/31 days and errors in implementing the pro-rata mechanism.
Adjustments Summary
Discos reported consumer adjustments for the periods of July 2023 to March 2024 and April 2024 to June 2024. The data highlights discrepancies in the total number of affected consumers and the adjusted amounts:
FESCO: 315,695 affected; 75,884 adjusted; Rs 349 million reimbursed.
GEPCO: 217,506 affected; 116,722 adjusted; Rs 217 million reimbursed.
HESCO: 145,985 affected; 5,432 adjusted; Rs 55.58 million reimbursed.
LESCO: 191,731 affected; 197,376 adjusted; Rs 316.89 million reimbursed.
MEPCO: 3,092,247 affected; 3,933 adjusted; Rs 232.87 million reimbursed.
KE: 40,161 consumers adjusted; Rs 84.18 million reimbursed.
In total, 4.1 million consumers were identified as overcharged, with only 794,682 adjustments made, totaling Rs 1.408 billion in reimbursements.
Contradictions in Data
NEPRA also noted irregularities in adjustments reported from April 2024 to June 2024. A comparison between affected and adjusted consumers revealed inconsistencies. For instance, KE, which initially claimed not to apply the pro-rata mechanism, later reported adjustments. Additionally, PITC’s and Discos’ figures failed to align.
The adjusted total for this period amounted to Rs 3.68 billion, distributed as follows:
FESCO: Rs 286.83 million.
GEPCO: Rs 892.43 million.
MEPCO: Rs 960.96 million.
NEPRA’s Directives
NEPRA expressed concern over the data contradictions and directed Discos and PITC to validate and reconcile the discrepancies within 14 days. Furthermore, PITC must certify that billing software formulas comply with NEPRA’s directives.
The regulatory body also highlighted that inflated bills issued in June 2024 raised questions about billing processes and compliance with applicable regulations. Field inspections and data analysis revealed violations, prompting NEPRA to demand urgent corrective actions to safeguard consumer rights.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
