KARACHI: Management of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority based in Islamabad unlike its SOPs to protect electric consumers’ is functioning as “Clearing and forwarding agent” of IPPs and DISCOs in country, especially K-Electric Limited. This fact has been exposed on various instances of its dealing with public complaints from electric consumers where always rapes justice.

Latest case in this regard belongs to complainant Syed Tasmehullah Shah against K-Electric Limited regarding inflated electricity bill. This complaint was filed on March 29, 2023 against bogus billing by K-Electric, illegal disconnection of power through dishonest abstraction and urged for instant inspection. Complainant sent reminder in this regard on April 17, 2023 and asked Authority to provide information and record of proceeding. But NEPRA did not bother to respond.

Instead, NEPRA put on its complaint website note on April 14, 2023, “Dear Complainant, please be informed that your complaint has been taken up with KE. You may track your complaint at NEPRA Complaint Management System available on NEPRA website through your tracking id for further necessary action. Regards, Consumer Affairs Department, NEPRA”

Even till September 1, 2023 complainant was not informed about fate and outcome of his case when inquired by him through his third letter. However, after lapse of about ten months on January 4, 2024 NEPRA addressed letter to CEO, K-Electric by referring its earlier letter dated September 21, 2023 and reply from K-Electric dated October 25, 2023 on subject matter. Copy of this letter was sent to complainant.  

In this letter NEPRA resolved that KE is directed to arrange meter checking on January 8, 2024 at KE Elander Complex near Shaheen Complex wherein complainant will bring meter and same will be checked in presence of complainant, NEPRA team and Provincial Office of Inspection representative. NEPRA Karachi office will liaison with all parties for required checking. In case of non-cooperation by complainant, further proceeding in matter shall be closed by this office.

This letter was signed by three officials like, Lashkar Khan Qambrani, Director CAD and member Consumer Complaints Tribunal Muhammad Irfan-ul-Haq, Assistant Legal Advisor and member Consumer Complaints Tribunal and Naveed Illahi Shaikh Director General CAD and Convener Consumer Complaints Tribunal.  

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 11 2024

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