KARACHI:
Every year, utility companies like Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and others replace utility meters with new ones without informing the consumers. At times, these “new” meters already have consumed units on them due to which consumers are issued higher bills than usual.
This duplicity has been going on for far too long now. It is particularly concerning as loadshedding in most areas remains high and frequent. Perhaps, the relevant regulatory authorities should intervene and issue clear rules for utility meter replacement. Residents should be informed in advance about meter changes so that they are present during the replacement. Customers should check the initial meter readings to ensure that they are not issued high bills for units consumed by other customers.
Given that most utility companies lack proper customer services for registering and resolving complaints, they should be directed to have an operational customer support system. Customers should be able to lodge complaints and seek further information regarding meter changes, issues with billing, etc. Utility companies should facilitate customers instead of exploiting them.
Shahryar Khan
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2023.
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