Audit teams were denied access to crucial billing records by electricity officials during investigations.
Power Companies Overcharged Pakistani Consumers by Rs244 Billion, AGP Audit Reveals. A new audit has exposed massive overbilling by eight electricity companies in Pakistan. Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) found power companies overcharged consumers by Rs244 billion in just one year. IESCO, LESCO, HESCO, MEPCO, PESCO, QESCO, SEPCO, and TESCO all took part in this massive fraud. Last year, experts from SDPI and NCET urged immediate privatization of power sector companies.
Five companies inflated electricity bills for 280,000 users in one month, collecting Rs47.81 billion fraudulently. Over 900 million fake electricity units were charged to consumers across Pakistan during the audit year.
QESCO alone overbilled farmers Rs148 billion by inflating tube well electricity charges beyond affordable limits. Power companies used “load adjustments” worth Rs22 billion to hide technical losses and mislead regulators.
Auditors found 1,432 feeders generating fake bills worth Rs18.64 billion, showing deep-rooted corruption. Audit teams were denied access to crucial billing records by electricity officials during investigations. This scandal has enraged consumers already suffering under soaring electricity tariffs and rising inflation.
Refunds of Rs5.29 billion were issued for faulty meter readings but lacked proper documentation. PESCO also returned Rs2.18 billion but auditors called the refund process disorganized and ineffective.
Consumer rights activists demand strict punishment for those involved in this massive billing fraud. Energy experts urge the government to overhaul power billing systems to prevent future exploitation.
