Urgent Fee
ISLAMABAD: The revised consumer service manual introduced by the power regulator Nepra outlines additional charges and stringent measures for electricity consumers, setting the stage for a public hearing on December 19. The proposed regulations include a 14% interest rate on bill instalments and the introduction of an ‘urgent fee’ for priority connections. Despite a surplus in capacity and declining consumption, these changes are set to be implemented, raising concerns among consumers.
The new consumer manual also advocates restrictions and penalties on multiple connections at a single premises, along with increased penalties on detection bills issued by power distribution companies for suspicious consumption, such as slow meters, defective meters, or theft.
Under the proposed amendments, consumers seeking priority connections will face an ‘urgent fee’ of Rs15,000 for single-phase and Rs30,000 for three-phase meters. This fee is in addition to regular charges for new connections, sparking concerns among consumers about potential financial burdens.
The proposed consumer service manual also introduces a significant change by seeking a 14% interest rate on bill instalments for any reason, including financial constraints. In cases where consumers seek instalments for current bills, there will be no late payment surcharge on the first instalment if paid within the due date, but subsequent instalments will incur a 14% annual markup.
Additionally, the proposed amendments grant power distribution companies the authority to confiscate electric appliances and equipment, impose heavy penalties equivalent to five years of power consumption for electricity theft, and remove multiple connections on residential premises without direct and separate entrances.
The revisions have sparked concerns among consumers and will be discussed at the upcoming public hearing, where the potential impacts on electricity consumers will be closely scrutinized.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
