In an effort to make electricity bills more manageable for consumers, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has proposed a change that could bring some relief to people facing high energy costs. The proposed change would allow consumers to pay their electricity bills in multiple installments over the course of the year. Currently, consumers are only allowed to pay their bills in one installment annually. This new idea is part of a larger plan to adjust the way electricity companies, called distribution companies (DISCOs), collect their revenue.
The idea behind this proposal is to make it easier for people to manage the cost of their electricity bills. Many consumers find it difficult to pay large sums at once, and by allowing smaller payments throughout the year, it could reduce some of the financial stress on households. This change would give consumers the flexibility to pay in several parts, instead of having to pay everything in one go.
Under the proposed changes, there is good news for consumers who are able to pay their first installment on time. If consumers manage to pay the first installment without any delays, they won’t be charged any extra fees or markup. This means that there will be no added costs for making the payment early. However, if a consumer fails to pay the first installment on time and needs to make a second or third installment, the electricity companies may charge a 14% markup on those later payments. This markup would be an additional cost, so it’s better to make sure the first payment is on time.
NEPRA has made these suggestions as part of its ongoing efforts to balance the financial needs of both consumers and electricity distribution companies. The goal is to help consumers who might struggle with large bills while ensuring that electricity companies continue to receive the revenue they need to operate and maintain their services. The proposal is still in its early stages, and NEPRA has asked for feedback from the public and other stakeholders to understand how these changes could impact everyone involved. People have seven days to provide their opinions on the proposed amendments.
It’s important to note that NEPRA last updated its Consumer Service Manual in June 2024, and these new changes are a part of its ongoing work to make electricity payments more flexible and fair for consumers. By listening to feedback and making adjustments where needed, NEPRA hopes to create a system that works for everyone, both for those who use electricity and for the companies that supply it.
This proposal is still open for discussion, and the public’s opinions will play a key role in shaping the final decision. If approved, these changes could make paying electricity bills easier for many people, helping to ensure that everyone has a chance to manage their payments without facing extra financial pressure.
