Detection billing system: Power Division decides to introduce reforms

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has decided to introduce fundamental reforms in the detection billing system to protect electricity consumers from inflated bills, unnecessary hardships and additional financial burdens. The initiative is part of the broader power sector reform process being pursued under Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, aimed at providing maximum relief to consumers and strengthening protection of their rights. In the past, detection bills were issued in cases where electricity meters malfunctioned, technical faults occurred or actual consumption could not be accurately recorded. In such cases, consumption was estimated in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations. READ ALSO: Power Division moves to expedite net-metering approvals following NEPRA directives However, in certain cases, estimated consumption did not correspond to actual usage, resulting in inflated bills and lengthy grievance redressal proceedings. The scope for human intervention in the existing system also raised concerns about transparency and possible irregularities. Taking notice of these issues, the Power Division has decided to digitise and automate the detection billing system in order to minimise human intervention and discretionary powers. In this regard, directions have been issued to all distribution companies (Discos) to incorporate the necessary amendments into NEPRA’s Consumer Service Manual and take other relevant measures for implementation of the new system. Under the proposed mechanism, detection billing and the related recovery process will be monitored on a monthly basis to ensure timely identification of over billing and abnormal trends, enabling corrective action without delay. According to official statement, Federal Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said the primary objective of the ongoing power sector reforms was to provide maximum convenience and relief to consumers. He said reforms in the detection billing system would help protect consumer rights, enhance transparency in the billing process and further strengthen public confidence in the power sector. The Power Division maintained that digitisation and automation of the process would also help reduce opportunities for human interference and ensure greater consistency in the application of detection billing rules. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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