In a recent report by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) addressing overbilling in the electricity sector, staggering irregularities were found in the billing system.
The inquiry, released in August, pointed fingers at several electricity distribution companies (discos), including K-Electric, for issuing inflated bills.
The report highlighted gross negligence by discos’ staff, leading to overbilling consumers by extending billing cycles from the standard 30 days to as much as 40 days. NEPRA has taken a firm stance, initiating legal action and issuing notices to the errant discos.
The overbilling affected a staggering 10 million consumers across various durations. Shockingly, 5.1 consumers received 32-day bills, while 2.5 million were sent 33-day bills, escalating up to 40-day billing cycles for more than 249,000 power consumers.
Notably, consumers with lower electricity consumption were also overcharged, as the billing did not align with meter readings.
The regulatory authority has vowed to rectify this issue promptly, forming a committee within 30 days to investigate and address the complaints of overbilling. The authority has instructed discos to rectify meters and correct electricity bills according to the established terms and conditions."
