Shocking Scandal: Overbilling Revealed in Pakistan’s Electricity Distribution Companies
An unsettling recent audit has pulled back the curtain on a massive overbilling scandal involving eight electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) in Pakistan, leading to a staggering loss of over Rs244 billion for consumers. This unethical practice appears to be a cover-up for inefficiencies, losses, and power theft within the energy sector. The DISCOs affected include major players like Islamabad, Lahore, Hyderabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sukkur, and the former tribal areas, and the findings have raised serious concerns.
The audit report, obtained by The Express Tribune, outlines severe financial irregularities and a blatant lack of accountability. Despite the scale of this scam, no officials have faced consequences for these systematic overcharges. Shockingly, even deceased individuals and agricultural tube wells have been victims of this malpractice— with Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) issuing bills worth Rs496 million to those who have passed away.
The scale is jaw-dropping—just last month, five of these companies overbilled 278,649 consumers by a massive Rs47.81 billion. For the entire fiscal year of 2023-24, customers were charged for an astonishing additional 904.6 million electricity units! While the DISCOs claim that refunds have been issued, they have yet to provide any documentary proof, casting serious doubts on their transparency.
Among the most alarming cases is the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), which overbilled agricultural consumers to the tune of Rs148 billion, ostensibly to offset operational failings.
While some refunds, such as Rs5.29 billion for incorrect meter readings, have been indicated, the absence of solid supporting documentation raises skepticism about the validity of these claims. The audit authorities are now formally requesting clarifications from the eight DISCOs, but the lack of response has only heightened concerns.
In a world where transparency and accountability are essential for public trust, these findings highlight a disturbing lack of oversight in Pakistan’s electricity sector. As consumers, we deserve fair treatment and honesty from our service providers. The hope is that these revelations will lead to much-needed reforms.
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