ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has confirmed electricity overbilling by all power distributing companies (DISCOs) including K-Electric, in April and June and sought an explanation from companies on matter.

According to official notification, NEPRA has decided to issue directions to all distribution companies, to adjust bills of consumers according to actual units consumed. Notification stated that companies had charged consumers more than actual units consumed in April and June, which is violation of NEPRA's rules. Companies will have to adjust bills of consumers according to actual units consumed. NEPRA has also directed companies not to charge late payment surcharges from consumers who could not pay their bills on time.  Companies will have to adjust bills of consumers who have paid their bills with late payment surcharges. Notification further stated that companies will have to replace all defective meters immediately to avoid overbilling. Companies will have to submit compliance report to NEPRA within 30 days.Over 0.3 million power consumers moved out of protected category and had to pay inflated electricity bills in month of June due to new billing system introduced by DISCOs on orders of Ministry of Energy. Consumers in protected category receive certain protections or benefits, such as subsidised rates or exemptions from price increases.