Eight Discos charged consumers over Rs8 billion in excess, PAC told

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed on Thursday that eight power distribution companies (Discos) were found involved in overbilling as they charged consumers over Rs8 billion in excess, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking during the meeting, Syed Hussain Tariq, a committee member, asked what was the fault of a poor man who received such inflated bills. “And when he fails to pay the bill, the meter and the transformer of his house are removed,” he added.

It was informed during the audit briefing that Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) charged consumers Rs750 million in excess, while Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) Rs520 million, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) over Rs1 billion, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) Rs1 billion, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) over Rs1 billion, Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) Rs70 million, Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) over Rs2 billion and Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) over Rs90 million.

Speaking on the occasion, the secretary power said that in some instances, amounts were returned to consumers.

The committee referred the matter to a sub-committee.

Reporter: Usman Khan