The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has updated the Consumer Service Manual, 2021, introducing new constraints on power companies, curtailing the option for consumers to settle their electricity bills through multiple instalments.
Under the revised regulations, consumers are now deprived of the flexibility to pay their electricity bills in instalments on multiple occasions. Nepra’s modifications aim to streamline bill clearance procedures, albeit at the expense of consumer convenience.
According to the notification, consumers will only be permitted to avail instalment facilities once annually, with no interest levied on the first instalment if paid within the due date. Subsequent instalments, however, will incur a 14% markup, while any extension requests must be submitted prior to the due date.
Furthermore, power distribution companies (Discos) are instructed to issue computerized bills to facilitate instalment plans and deadline extensions.
Last August, the interim government mulled over a proposal to offer consumers relief by allowing them to pay electricity bills in instalments, particularly benefiting those with bills not exceeding 400 units, with instalment periods extending up to six months.