PM warns of strict action against inflated electricity bills
1. All available resources should be utilised to meet Nepra targets, instructs premier
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed frustration over inflated electricity bills, describing the overbilling practices of power distribution companies (Discos) as unacceptable.
While chairing a review meeting on the performance of Discos, PM Shehbaz emphasized that strict action would be taken against officials involved in overbilling. He called for the swift installation of smart meters to ensure transparency in the billing system and urged decisive steps to curb electricity theft.
The meeting also addressed matters related to Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco), according to a statement from the PM’s Office.
PM Shehbaz expressed concern over delays in appointing CEOs for the distribution companies. He directed that the appointments be made through a transparent process and be completed as soon as possible. He also stressed that the recruitment of staff in these companies must be merit-based, with no compromise on transparency.
The prime minister instructed that all available resources be used to meet the targets set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).
The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervez Malik, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ahsan Afzal, and other senior government officials. They were briefed on the achievement of recovery targets up to November for FY 2024-25, with Lesco at 96.82%, Pesco at 87.98%, and Fesco at 97.57%.
Earlier this month, Nepra decided to take legal action against K-Electric (KE) and other power companies after reports surfaced that they were overcharging millions of consumers. Nepra issued a statement saying it would initiate legal proceedings against all Distribution Companies, including K-Electric, for violations of regulations and tariff terms. The regulator took “very serious” notice of the complaints regarding excessive and incorrect billing during July and August.
