Electricity consumers in Pakistan have faced a massive financial burden due to excessive billing practices by power distribution companies (DISCOs). The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has disclosed alarming details in a recent report, highlighting detection bills worth billions of rupees sent to unsuspecting consumers.
Between April and June 2024, power companies issued detection bills exceeding Rs35 billion to over 1.3 million consumers. The Sukkur Electric Supply Company (SEPCO) alone sent bills amounting to more than Rs13 billion. Similarly, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) issued bills worth Rs7.6 billion, while Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) billed Rs3.7 billion. Additionally, Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) sent detection bills totaling Rs1.5 billion to over 70,000 consumers.
NEPRA has strongly criticized these practices, accusing power companies of inflating their revenue through unjustified detection bills without proper verification. This approach has not only imposed undue financial stress on consumers but also raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the power sector.
The report also pointed out a worrying increase in corruption linked to these billing practices, further eroding public trust in power distribution companies. According to NEPRA, such actions have created an unfair financial burden for electricity users, adding to their frustrations over already high utility costs.
NEPRA has pledged to address the issue, emphasizing its commitment to protecting consumers’ rights. On December 19, 2024, NEPRA informed the National Assembly that legal proceedings were underway in 71 cases of excessive billing against various power companies. NEPRA also mentioned the possibility of imposing fines on companies found guilty of misconduct under the relevant laws and regulations.
This overbilling scandal has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for stricter oversight and better accountability within the power sector. Consumers are now demanding a fair and transparent billing system that ensures they pay only for the electricity they consume, not for inflated or fabricated charges.
The findings of the NEPRA report underscore the urgent need for reforms in the electricity billing system to prevent further exploitation of consumers and restore public confidence in the power sector.
