The Power Division has announced plans to introduce a digital and automated system for billing detection in an effort to reduce overbilling, improve transparency and ease difficulties faced by electricity consumers.
Detection billing is used when a meter malfunctions, technical problems occur, or accurate electricity consumption records cannot be maintained. In such cases, consumption may be estimated under existing rules.
The Power Division said estimated bills have sometimes differed significantly from actual consumption, leading to higher bills and lengthy complaint procedures. The system has also faced concerns over human intervention and the possibility of irregularities.
Under the proposed reforms, detection, billing and recovery will be monitored digitally on a monthly basis. Officials will use the system to identify unusual billing patterns and possible overbilling at an early stage.
The Power Division has directed electricity distribution companies to make the necessary changes to the Consumer Service Manual of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) and take other required measures.
Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Owais Leghari said the reforms were aimed at making the power sector more consumer-friendly and providing greater convenience to electricity users.
Net metering applications
The Power Division has also reported progress in clearing pending applications for rooftop solar connections under the transition from the previous net metering system to the new net billing framework.
According to the division, 11,695 of 16,654 pending applications have been verified and approved, while 4,959 applications remain under review.
Officials said the verification drive was launched on the minister’s instructions to resolve genuine consumer cases while ensuring compliance with relevant rules.
The Pakistan Information Technology Company (PITC) has begun contacting applicants directly through SMS, WhatsApp and other digital platforms. Consumers can also check the status of their applications through the official online verification system.
The Power Division has warned consumers not to pay agents or intermediaries to process or speed up their applications, saying no fee is required for the verification process.
Officials said direct digital communication is intended to reduce opportunities for fraud and prevent unauthorised individuals from taking advantage of consumers.
