Excessive Billing: NEPRA asked to conduct detailed audit of K-Electric

Excessive Billing: NEPRA asked to conduct detailed audit of K-Electric

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Tuesday asked National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to conduct detailed audit of K-Electric as many complaints were received related to excessive billing.

In a letter to Tauseef H Farooqi, Chairman, NEPRA, the Sindh governor said that on a daily basis, a large section of society was complaining against K-Electric (KE) authorities for multiple issues, one out of them is excessive billing. Unfortunately, KE-being the sole electricity provider to Karachi City has an obvious monopolistic approach towards its consumers.

“It becomes a nightmare for a common person, when he receives an exaggerated bill from KE, as there is a general perception that such situation has no remedy,” according to the letter.

As a matter of fact, KE instead of giving people relief against their complaints, advise them to pay the billed amount first (to avoid disconnection of electricity) and then wait for what KE decides upon their complaints.

It is pertinent to add that these complaints are not limited with domestic consumers only, commercial and industrial consumers are also facing similar approach from KE, and voicing against excessive billing at different forum.

The Sindh governor proposed that the NEPRA to accord instructions for conducting a thorough audit of complaints lodged against KE for excessive billing.

“And those which are found valid, be refunded their excessive paid amount instantly,” according to the letter.