DISCOs still collecting surcharge

In a rare development, the power distribution companies (Discos) are collecting the Neelum-Jhelum surcharge from consumers through electricity in violation of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet decision to abolish it.

The Ministry of Energy spokesperson told The Express Tribune that the NeelumJhelum surcharge has been abolished. However, he said the bills of some power companies had already been printed, which is why consumers received bills along with the surcharge. “Discos have been informed that the NeelumJhelum surcharge will not be included in the future electricity bills.”

The spokesperson announced a refund for the consumers who have been charged this surcharge through adjustment in the bills next month. According to details, the government had imposed 10 paisas per unit on electricity bills under the head of Neelum-Jhelum surcharge. The surcharge was levied till the project became operational and after it became operational in December 2018, the Jhelum Power House was handed over to Wapda. However, the NeelumJhelum surcharge was imposed which was approved for immediate removal by the ECC in February 2021 and the decision was also ratified by the federal cabinet.

However, the surcharge is still being collected from the consumers. An audit of the NeelumJhelum Power House was supposed to be conducted to return the amount collect from the consumers after it became operational. However, the NeelumJhelum surcharge is also being levied on consumers in the electricity bills received a few days ago.