Energy Minister Leghari Issues Warning to Discos Over Arbitrary Billing

ISLAMABAD: Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has issued a stern warning to electricity distribution companies (Discos) regarding the imposition of excessive and unjustified detection bills on consumers. During a meeting with the boards of directors of Discos on Friday, the minister emphasized that no arbitrary charges would be tolerated.

Detection bills are typically issued by Discos to recover past dues that are estimated to be unpaid due to slow meters, theft, or other technical issues. Leghari’s directives come as part of a broader initiative to reform the electricity distribution sector, aiming to protect consumers from undue financial burdens while addressing the critical issue of electricity theft.

The minister reiterated that while combating electricity theft is a national priority, innocent citizens should not bear the brunt of arbitrary billing practices. He outlined a comprehensive reform framework that will strictly regulate the discretionary authority of field staff, ensuring that honest officers can perform their duties without hindrance.

In line with these directives, the Power Division has mandated that all Discos issue detection bills exclusively through a centralized online portal developed by the Power Information Technology Company (PITC). This move is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the billing process.