The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has revealed that electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) have overbilled consumers by more than Rs35 billion. A recent NEPRA report indicates that from April to June 2024, over 1.3 million consumers were charged excessive amounts through detection bills.
The report highlights significant overbilling by several DISCOs, with Sukkur Electric Supply Company (SEPCO) issuing Rs13 billion in detection bills, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) issuing Rs7.6 billion, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) issuing Rs3.7 billion, and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) issuing over Rs1.5 billion to 70,506 consumers.
NEPRA has strongly criticized these actions, accusing the companies of inflating revenue artificially without proper verification or justification, thus burdening consumers unfairly.
The authority also noted an increase in corruption within these power companies, which it linked to these billing practices. NEPRA stressed that such overbilling undermines consumer trust and raises concerns about accountability and consumer protection in the electricity sector.
This revelation follows NEPRA’s announcement to the National Assembly on December 19, 2024, in which it stated that legal action is being pursued against 71 cases of excessive billing by various DISCOs, with potential fines to be imposed upon conclusion of the proceedings.
