ISLAMABAD: Expressing his annoyance over inflated electrical energy payments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Saturday that the overbilling by energy distribution firms was unacceptable.
Chairing a assessment assembly on the efficiency of electrical energy distribution firms (Discos), PM Shehbaz warned that strict motion can be taken in opposition to officers concerned in overbilling.
He directed to finish the set up of sensible meters as quickly as attainable to make sure transparency within the billing system and known as for concrete steps to forestall electrical energy theft.
Besides different issues, affairs associated to Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) have been mentioned within the assembly, learn a press release issued by the PM’s Office.
PM Shehbaz expressed concern over the delay within the appointment technique of chief govt officers (CEOs) of the distribution firms and directed for guaranteeing CEOs’ appointments via a extremely clear course of and requested for its completion on the earliest.
Recruitment of workforce in distribution firms ought to be merit-based, with no compromise on transparency, he additional added.
The prime minister stated that each one the obtainable sources ought to be utilized to satisfy the targets of Nepra.
Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervez Malik, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ahsan Afzal, and senior authorities officers attended the assembly.
The assembly was given an in depth briefing on the achievement of targets which included restoration charges (as much as November of FY 2024-25): Lesco: 96.82%, Pesco: 87.98%, and Fesco: 97.57%.
Earlier this month, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) determined to provoke authorized motion in opposition to Okay-Electric (KE) and different power-providing firms after it was discovered that they have been charging tens of millions of customers excessively.
“Legal proceedings in opposition to all Distribution Companies together with KEL below NEPRA Fine Regulations, 2021 for violation of the provisions of NEPRA Act, CSM and tariff phrases & circumstances and so on,” a press release issued by the facility regulator stated.
The authority took “very severe” discover of the complaints that have been reported from throughout Pakistan concerning extreme, inflated, and incorrect payments charged by the distribution firms to the customers throughout two months — July and August.
