Power Division moves to digitize detection billing system

The Power Division has decided to digitize and automate its detection billing system, aiming to limit overbilling and reduce manual involvement, according to Mettis Link News citing APP. The step is part of a wider power sector reform programme led by Federal Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, which stresses consumer protection and relief for electricity users. Under the earlier arrangement, detection bills were based on estimated consumption whenever meters malfunctioned or faults prevented accurate readings.

In some cases the estimates differed sharply from actual use, producing inflated bills and slow complaint handling. The older system also left room for human discretion, which raised transparency concerns. To address this, the division has instructed all distribution companies to amend NEPRA's Consumer Service Manual and take other steps needed to implement the new system.

A monthly review of detection bills and recoveries is now part of the revised process, allowing overbilling and abnormal usage patterns to be caught early and fixed promptly. The minister said the reforms would make the power system more consumer-friendly, improve transparency and reduce hardship for consumers.