FIA uncovers overbilling of 926.9 million units of electricity

ISLAMABAD: A staggering overbilling of 926.9 million units of electricity by power distribution companies has been uncovered across the country within a single month, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said in a report.

The agency has initiated 23 inquiries and registered five cases against individuals linked to the overbilling of 256 electrical connections, a spokesperson for the FIA said.

The FIA’s spokesperson disclosed that this malpractice led to the collection of billions in rupees, inflicting a financial blow of Rs34.29 billion on consumers and government entities alike.

The FIA director-general has ordered an intensification of efforts to apprehend those responsible, ensuring full deployment of available resources to address this issue, the spokesperson said.

Overbilling refers to charging customers for more electricity than they have actually consumed. This can occur due to errors in meter readings, faulty meters, or deliberate manipulation. Overbilling not only leads to unjustified financial charges for consumers but also undermines trust in the billing system and can have broader economic implications.

The FIA’s crackdown aims to rectify these discrepancies and hold accountable those who have engaged in such fraudulent activities.