NEPRA Urged GEPCO, LESCO to Resolve Complaints {Open Kutchery}

Islamabad: Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) have come under fire from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for failing to address customer complaints.

These concerns were brought up at an online open Kutchery chaired by members KP Maqsood Anwar Khan and Chairman’s NEPRA Tauseef H Farooqi. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of both DISCOs provided answers to the regulator’s and customers’ queries.

One of the consumers also brought up the issue of overbilling agriculture customers in Sambrial (Sialkot) to satisfy revenue collection goals set by the Power Division. GEPCO’s CEO, Muhammad Ayub, confirmed that the consumers’ complaint was valid and had been ratified. He added that the concerned meter reader has received a Letter of Explanation (LoE).

Additionally, Chairman NEPRA highlighted his concern over the distribution of inflated bills to customers and stressed that only consumed units should be billed to customers.

Further, he also said that while the regulator permits O&M costs for them, DISCOs shouldn’t charge customers for the expense of repairing burned transformers.

Consumers complained about overbilling, power connections, and late payments of electricity bills, according to a statement released by NEPRA. Low voltage and poor transformer replacement were additional complaints from customers.

The Authority directed NEPRA’s regional offices to improve the effectiveness of monitoring the relevant DISCOs. The Authority also encouraged the affected DISCO to finish earthing the electricity pole as soon as possible.

“If earthing is not done,” stated Chairman Nepra, “the Authority would take strict measures against any loss of life.”