Client wins case against IESCO

IESCO violates its own procedure by not installing connection within 30 days

ISLAMABAD:

President Dr Arif Alvi has directed the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) to refund Rs139,860 to a complainant who had been wrongly issued an additional demand notice for the installation of an electricity connection along with a transformer due to cost escalation.

The president issued these directions while deciding upon a representation filed by IESCO assailing the order of the Wafaqi Mohtasib. He directed the IESCO to refund the amount to complainant Haji Akhtar Raheem and adopt proper procedure, which had been violated in the case of the particular client and had resulted in maladministration.

The IESCO had violated its own procedure by not installing the connection within 30 days and later sent an additional demand notice to the complainant on account of the escalation of the cost of the material. However, the complainant had already paid the original requisite amount before escalation of cost.

Read IESCO starts process for infrastructure uplift

The complainant had applied with IESCO for an electricity connection along with a 25 KVA transformer. Subsequently, a demand notice of Rs 305,656, including the cost of allied material was issued to him. He deposited the amount, however, IESCO instead of installing his connection timely, issued an additional demand notice of Rs 139,860.

The complainant approached IESCO for withdrawal of the demand notice but to no avail. He then approached Wafaqi Mohtasib for the redressal of his grievance, who passed an order in his favour.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2024.