Nepra comes down hard on Discos over inflated bills in July and August

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) came down hard on Discos including K-electric overinflated bills

A large number of complaints were submitted to Nepra by consumers against Discos, including K Electric, about overbilling and wrong meter readings in the monthly bills of July and August.

Taking strict notice of the matter, the authorities formed an inquiry committee comprising of 3 senior officers and sought a report, stated Nepra, adding that the committee examined the complaints of consumers and submitted a comprehensive report after visiting the offices of the discos concerned.

 Millions of customers were affected due to billing beyond 30 days, it has been found. The report added average bills were sent by discos due to failure to post photos of meter readings on bills and failure to replace fault meters in time.

Distribution companies have been deliberately committing malpractices to hide their inefficiencies, the report said, adding that the recovery of discos was also reduced and Discos failed to collect electricity bills as per the tariff terms and conditions approved by the authority

Faulty bills were sent to millions of consumers in violation of provisions of the Consumer Service Manual, the findings said adding that

Nepra said the authority decided to take legal action against Discos including K Electric in light of the investigation report

The authority has given a deadline of 30 days to the Discos to replace the faulty meters as soon as possible and correct the wrongly charged bills and strict legal action will be taken in case of defying the directives.

The authority also sent a notice to the Discos and sought an explanation, it said, adding that notice was served on K Electric for not replacing the deflectometer on time as per the policy and sought an explanation.

The authority has ordered the committee report to be uploaded on Nepra's website too.