Islamabad, December 28, 2024: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared overbilling by power distribution companies (Discos) unacceptable and vowed strict action against officials involved in such practices. He issued the warning while chairing a review meeting on the performance of Discos on Saturday.
The premier emphasized the urgent need to enhance transparency in the billing system by accelerating the installation of smart meters nationwide. He also called for robust measures to combat electricity theft and ensure fair practices across the sector.
The meeting, attended by key ministers and senior officials, included discussions on issues related to major distribution companies such as Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco).
PM Shehbaz expressed dissatisfaction with delays in appointing chief executive officers (CEOs) for Discos and directed that the process be conducted with utmost transparency and completed without further delay. He stressed that all workforce recruitment must be strictly merit-based, leaving no room for favoritism or corruption.
To meet the regulatory benchmarks set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), the prime minister urged the use of all available resources to achieve performance targets.
During the briefing, officials shared the recovery rates for the current fiscal year up to November 2024.
The meeting followed Nepra’s recent decision to initiate legal proceedings against K-Electric (KE) and other Discos for overcharging millions of consumers during July and August. Complaints from across Pakistan cited inflated and incorrect billing practices. Nepra has invoked its Fine Regulations, 2021, to penalize the companies for violating tariff terms, conditions, and regulatory provisions.
The prime minister reiterated that overbilling and mismanagement in the power sector would not be tolerated, highlighting his government’s commitment to ensuring affordable and reliable electricity for consumers.
