NEPRA Uncovers Rs8.44 Billion Overbilling Scandal by DISCOs
As per details, DISCOs overbilled power consumers with Rs8.44bln to cover their line losses. The Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) did an overbilling of Rs1.73bln, while the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) did an overbilling of Rs2.39bln.
The report also unveiled overbilling of over Rs3bln in Lahore and Islamabad Electric Power Supply Companies.
FESCO, GEPCO, MEPCO, and QESCO were also involved in overbilling to hide their line losses, the report stated.
Committee constituted to probe DISCOs overbilling scandal
NEPRA inquiry report
The NEPRA found that millions of consumers were overcharged during July and August, prompting the body to initiate legal action against K-Electric (KE) and other power distribution companies.
“There is not a single Disco in the country who is charging bills in 100 correct manner,” the power regulatory authority said in its 14-page report.
The inquiry was launched after consumers from all over the country complained of “excessive, inflated, and wrong bills” charged by Discos in July and August 2023.
Following the complaints, the power regulator held detailed hearings during which it found that the actual amount charged to users differed from the snapshot of meter readings available on their bills. In some cases, snapshots were “either invisible or deliberately not taken”.
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