Govt Extends Electricity Bill Payment Due Dates After DISCOs Accused of Overbilling

The federal government has extended the due dates of electricity bills by 10 days after several complaints that power distribution companies (DISCOs) were overbilling consumers. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) disclosed these findings after a detailed inquiry into overbilling complaints from April to June 2024. NEPRA’s investigation revealed widespread overbilling by all DISCOs. The Ministry of Energy announced a 10-day extension for electricity bill payments for July and August. NEPRA has demanded explanations from all DISCOs and instructed them to compensate consumers who are financially burdened by high electricity rates. Companies must adjust actual bills on a pro-rata basis if meter readings are lower. Consumers unable to pay pro-rata bills will not face late payment surcharges, and those who have already paid will receive adjustments. NEPRA also ordered the immediate replacement of faulty meters to prevent average/estimated billing. Companies must follow the consumer service manual for accurate meter readings and billing and submit compliance reports within 30 days, it said. The regulator is also conducting separate proceedings to hold power companies accountable, with formal investigations and potential penalties. A full report is expected later.