The creation of slabs for consumption and levying security deposits is uncalled for in a welfare state
KARACHI: Electricity consumers have been stung twice. Firstly, because new slabs have been created for payment. The higher the slab of consumption, the higher the rate at which electricity is charged. Secondly, the higher the consumption, the higher the rate of security deposit. For the consumption of one kilowatt, there is a security deposit amount levied on the consumer. On the electricity bill there is no mention of this security deposit; it is mentioned as arrears and the consumer is orally informed that it is the security deposit. What kind of security deposit is this? And, security against what? The security deposit is usually fixed but in this case, it varies. The occupants of the house keep on changing and the new occupants of a house keep paying the security deposit. This amount is unjustifiable and seems to have gone to the coffers of the electricity department.
In this part of the world, there are many joint families and they should pay a uniform rate of electricity. The creation of slabs for consumption and levying security deposits is uncalled for in a welfare state. Would Nepra, which is the regulatory authority, shed light on the matter?
Dr KM Larik
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2016.
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