Discos dispute Nepra report on overbilling

The electricity distribution companies (Discos) operating under the Power Division on Tuesday conceded billing discrepancies highlighted by the power regulator Nepra in a recent inquiry report but downplayed the extent of the wrongdoings happening to consumers and attributed its veracity to the natural, human and technical factors. The “initial response” released by the Power Division comes days after it formed an “independent committee” led by a former power secretary, Irfan Ali, to review the basis and methodology of the Nepra inquiry report that found massive irregularities in meter reading, billing, defective metering and the corrective mechanism in all Discos. At the outset, the response confirmed that “overall action taken by Nepra is rationalised” and hence “carrying out the initial regulatory proceedings followed by the formulation of the inquiry committee to carry out analysis of excessive complaints and addressing the consumer grievances and visiting regional offices of Discos is the appropriate approach for ensuring a thorough investigation”.