Overbilling, outages major issues: FPCCI
Power supply suspended for eight hours in several areas. PHOTO: AFP
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has raised concerns about the persistent problems of overbilling and load-shedding, emphasising the urgent need for the government to take action. FPCCI President Irfan Iqbal Shiekh, along with Regional Chairman Muhammad Nadeem Qureshi and VP of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mian Anjum Nisar, called for immediate steps to curb power theft, reduce line losses, and address the issue of load-shedding.
During a meeting with Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) officials, including Board Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Noman, the FPCCI representatives urged the establishment of a separate office and helpline at LESCO headquarters dedicated to industrialists and traders. They further demanded representation on the LESCO board and highlighted the exorbitant electricity prices prevailing in the region, which have been detrimental to industries.
To address these concerns, the FPCCI officials proposed a collaborative decision-making process between local industrialists and LESCO to determine load-shedding schedules for industrial feeders. They also emphasised the need to resolve the issue of Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI) charges and called for the immediate implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system within LESCO.
In response, the LESCO board chairman assured the FPCCI representatives that an e-billing system was being developed to eliminate overbilling problems.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 24th, 2023.
Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.