Discos barred from charging replacement fee

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has barred power Distribution Companies (Discos) from charging fee for replacement of defective meters.

According to the regulator, it has come to its notice that Distribution Companies have been charging cost for replacement of meter to the consumers for defective meters, and specifically for meter display errors.

The regulator is of the view that in pursuance of clause 4.4 of the Consumer Service Manual, the consumer is not liable for any discrepancy or fault in metering equipment that is not attributable to any act or omission of the consumer. 

Accordingly, the Nepra has directed all Distribution Companies to forthwith cease the practice of charging cost for replacement of meter to the consumers for meter replacements, specifically on account of meter display errors, where the discrepancy or fault is not attributable to any act or omission of the consumer.