ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has barred electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) from issuing manual detection bills, directing them to use a centralised online system to prevent arbitrary charges against consumers.
Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari issued the directives after taking notice of excessive and unjustified detection bills. He instructed distribution companies to ensure that consumers are not subjected to incorrect billing.
During a meeting with DISCO boards of directors, the minister called for comprehensive reforms to safeguard consumer interests while maintaining efforts to curb electricity theft.
He said that although preventing power theft remained a national priority, consumers should not be forced to bear unjustified financial costs.
According to a Power Division statement issued on Friday, detection bills must now be generated exclusively through the centralised online portal developed by the Power Information Technology Company (PITC).
Field staff and sub-divisional officers (SDOs) will no longer be allowed to issue such bills manually. Officials violating the directive will face disciplinary proceedings, with major penalties possible for those found responsible.