NEPRA restricts electricity bill installments to once a year

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a significant change in the payment policy for electricity consumers, allowing them to pay their bills in installments only once a year.

The decision was made after an amendment to the Consumer Service Manual. As a result, consumers across various categories, including domestic, commercial and industrial, will now pay their bills in installments only once during the year.

Previously, electricity consumers had the option to pay their bills in installments twice a year. However, NEPRA’s recent decision restricts this facility to a single instance per financial year.

NEPRA has issued directives to all electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to implement the new amendment immediately.

According to a notification issued by NEPRA, the authority decided to amend the Consumer Service Manual after comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders. The verdict was reserved following a public hearing on December 19, 2023.

Also read: NEPRA confirms quarterly tariff adjustment

Furthermore, NEPRA has issued a directive that the due date for electricity bills will not be extended under any circumstances, even in the case of an official holiday on the last day of bill submission.

Consumers will be subject to a late payment surcharge if they fail to pay their bills by the due date, irrespective of public holidays, NEPRA said.

The amendments made by NEPRA to the Consumer Service Manual will be applicable to all consumers of DISCOs, including K-Electric.

NEPRA has ordered all DISCOs to ensure the immediate implementation of this policy. Additionally, electricity distribution companies have been instructed to upload the amendments to their respective websites and to inform consumers about this decision.