Electricity bill instalment now yearly only

NEPRA tightens screws on bill instalments plan

ISLAMABAD:

As the sweltering heat strains the power grid amid a persistent shortfall, electricity costs are soaring, leaving consumers feeling the pinch with new bill payment regulations hitting their wallets hard.

Adding insult to injury, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has dropped a bomb on consumers with new regulations that restrict how they can pay their electricity bills.

Under the revised Consumer Service Manual, consumers who once had the flexibility to pay their bills in instalments will now only be allowed to do so once a year. The change is a hard pill to swallow, particularly for those who rely on instalments to manage high electricity bills.

Meanwhile, the government is trying to quash rumours about terminating the net metering policy, but conflicting media reports have sown seeds of confusion and worry among consumers.

Sources revealed that NEPRA has issued orders to all electricity companies, restricting the facility of paying bills in instalments by amending the Consumer Service Manual.

NEPRA’s instructions state that in case of instalments, a new bill should be issued as a computerised bill. Additionally, it directed that the due date should not be extended even if the last day falls on an official holiday, and late payment surcharges should be collected regardless of holidays.

The changes in the net metering policy have drawn criticism from various quarters. Citizens have voiced their frustration, insisting that the net metering policy should remain unchanged. In response, the energy minister asserted that the government is not altering the net metering policy process. He bemoaned that despite repeated denials and official statements, false news was being spread to create anxiety and panic among the people.

The policy allows consumers to sell excess electricity produced by their solar systems back to power distribution companies, significantly reducing their monthly electricity bills.