ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) to increase the deadline for electricity bill payments by 10 days, providing relief to the public.
Consequently, the Power Division issued directives to all power distribution companies, including K-Electric, to implement the extension for the July and August 2024 bills.
Prime Minister Sharif issued the directive in light of the difficulties faced by electricity consumers, according to a statement issued by the Power Division.
Notably, the extension is effectively for one month. It will benefit power consumers for the July bills only. For example, if the original due date was August 7, it is now August 17.
However, the August bills, which will be due in September, will have the same due date of September 17, keeping a steady one-month interval.
Media reports indicate that all distribution companies, including K-Electric, were found to be involved in overbilling practices. Nepra has asked for explanations from these companies about the issue.
Based on the report, Nepra has decided to issue directives to the distribution companies, including K-Electric.
The authority has instructed that customers who were charged based on readings lower than the actual units recorded from April to June 2024 should be adjusted accordingly.
Customers who were billed based on incorrect readings and have not yet paid should not be charged late payment surcharges (LPS). Those who have already paid with LPS will also be adjusted, Nepra stated.
To prevent average billing issues, Nepra has mandated the prompt replacement of faulty meters.
Additionally, all distribution companies, including K-Electric, are required to comply with the consumer services manual (CSM) for meter readings. A compliance report on these directives must be submitted within 30 days.
Notably, last year in July and August 2023, Discos and KE engaged in overbilling. The protected tariff status for some users was changed to non-protected due to billing errors during these two months.
