Electricity consumers using more than one single-phase meter to obtain subsidised power tariffs in the country are likely to face higher electricity bills as distribution companies begin a crackdown on misuse of the protected consumer category, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.
According to power sector authorities, electricity distribution companies, including the Lahore Electric Supply Company, are compiling records of consumers holding multiple meters to benefit from lower electricity tariffs and government subsidies.
Officials said consumers found using more than one meter to remain eligible for the protected category would lose the subsidy and would instead be billed under the non-protected tariff system.
The move is expected to increase monthly electricity bills by around Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 for affected consumers, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Power companies have also started printing details of subsidy amounts and QR codes on electricity bills.
The officials said the QR code system would help collect data on consumers with additional electricity meters and assist in identifying genuine beneficiaries of subsidised tariffs.
Under the new mechanism, consumers are expected to upload the required information through the QR code system.
Officials warned that those failing to provide the requested data could have their subsidy withdrawn.