Power Division moves to improve detection billing system

According to Business Recorder, the Power Division decided on Friday to bring in fundamental changes to how detection bills are issued, with the stated goal of shielding electricity users from avoidable difficulties and added costs. The move forms part of a wider reform drive in the power sector being steered by Federal Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, who wants consumers to receive greater relief and stronger protection of their rights.

Detection bills have traditionally been issued by estimating usage when meters malfunction, develop technical faults or fail to record consumption accurately. The press release acknowledged that these estimates sometimes diverged from actual consumption, which led to inflated bills and lengthy complaint handling, while the scope for human discretion raised transparency concerns. To address this, the ministry will digitise and automate the process to reduce manual involvement and discretionary authority.

All distribution companies have been directed to amend NEPRA's Consumer Service Manual and take other necessary steps. Under the new framework, detection billing and related recovery activity will be reviewed monthly to catch overbilling and unusual patterns early, allowing quick corrective measures. Leghari said the changes are intended to boost consumer confidence in the power system.