The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed fines totaling Rs248 million on two power distribution companies—Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco)—for violating regulations related to overbilling and loadshedding.
As per reports, Nepra imposed a Rs200 million fine on Gepco for overbilling consumers due to faulty meters, and Rs48 million on Sepco for conducting loadshedding based on aggregate technical and commercial (ATC) losses, an illegal practice.
The fine on Gepco followed complaints from 1,298 consumers in August 2022, who reported overbilling due to slow energy meters. After extensive investigations, a show-cause hearing, and evidence provided by Gepco, Nepra rejected the company’s response and imposed the fine.
Nepra also directed Gepco to refund or adjust all bills charged to the affected consumers over two billing cycles due to the faulty meters, with a warning of an additional Rs100,000 daily fine if the issue is not resolved within 30 days.
Nepra’s investigation revealed that Gepco had charged consumers “detection bills” from January 1, 2021, due to slow meters, in violation of the Consumer Service Manual (CSM). Despite previous directives in February 2023 for adjustment of these bills, Gepco failed to comply, leading to the imposition of the fine.
Meanwhile, Nepra fined Sepco Rs48 million for continuing illegal loadshedding based on ATC losses. Sepco had initiated this practice in 2014 under the direction of the Ministry of Energy but was later found to be violating Nepra’s regulations.
Nepra directed Sepco to immediately cease ATC-based loadshedding and imposed a daily fine of Rs100,000 for each day of continued violation. Sepco has been given 15 days to deposit the fine or face further legal action.
