Pakistan Power Division to digitize electricity detection billing

Pakistan’s Power Division has announced plans to digitize and automate the electricity detection billing system. The reform aims to protect consumers from inflated bills and reduce the financial burden caused by inaccurate consumption estimates.

Detection bills are currently issued when meters malfunction or technical faults prevent accurate readings. However, the existing system relies on estimated consumption that often exceeds actual usage, leading to prolonged grievance proceedings. The Power Division noted that significant human intervention in the current process has raised concerns regarding transparency and potential irregularities.

Under the new digital mechanism, distribution companies (Discos) will be required to amend the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Consumer Service Manual. The system will include monthly monitoring of detection billing and recovery processes to identify abnormal consumption patterns and facilitate timely corrective actions. Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to improve transparency and provide relief to electricity consumers.