The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a notice to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) after a petition challenged the procedure for increasing slab-based electricity tariffs, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.
Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition filed by Ashba Kamran, who argued that the implementation of the slab system in electricity bills is unconstitutional and contrary to the law. Nepra and other relevant authorities have been made parties in the case.
During the hearing, Justice Ishaq questioned under which legal provision the slab system was introduced, directing Nepra to submit its response.
According to the petitioner’s stance, consumers using up to 200 units fall under a protected category, but once consumption exceeds this limit, the bill increases sharply under the slab system. The petition contends that even a marginal increase in units results in electricity being charged at the highest rate, significantly raising the bill.
The petitioner further argued that consumers benefiting from subsidies are effectively penalized for exceeding 200 units, with higher charges applied for up to six months. It was also maintained that Nepra, as a regulatory authority, should not impose what amounts to a penalty through electricity billing.
The petition claims that the slab tariff system violates Section 31 of the Nepra Act 1997, as well as Articles 4, 9, 14 and 25 of the Constitution, which relate to due process, security of person, dignity, and equality before the law.
The petitioner has requested the court to declare the slab tariff mechanism null and void.
Following initial proceedings, the court issued notices to Nepra and other respondents and sought their replies, while further hearing of the case is expected at a later date.