ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reprimanded the Pakistan Information Technology Company (PITC), a subsidiary of the Power Division, for failing to comply with the Prime Minister’s directives regarding the provision of data related to overbilling and violations of Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI) by the industrial sector.
In a letter addressed to PITC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Director of the Registrar Office Masroor Khan referenced an August 26, 2024, letter, which included a notice of investigation into overbilling for all consumer categories and MDI manipulation by the industrial sector during the period from January to June 2024. PITC was subsequently directed, in a letter dated August 27, 2024, to provide the necessary data within five days, as outlined in a list of data requirements.
A meeting was held on September 7, 2024, at the PITC office in Lahore, during which all queries from PITC were addressed by the Investigation Committee, emphasizing the urgency of submitting the required data.
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Despite a follow-up reminder issued on September 16, 2024, PITC has only submitted a limited amount of data, with most information still pending, even after more than twenty days have passed.
According to the Director of the Registrar Office, NEPRA’s investigations into overbilling were initiated based on a letter from the Power Division, indicating that the Prime Minister had directed an inquiry into the issue of overbilling by Distribution Companies (Discos) and MDI manipulation by the industrial sector. PITC’s failure to provide data is seen as a violation of the Prime Minister’s instructions and contravenes Section 27 A(4) of the NEPRA Act. This section states that any person who obstructs or hinders an investigating officer or fails to produce required documents may face legal proceedings and penalties.
In light of these circumstances, NEPRA has granted PITC a final opportunity to submit the relevant records or face potential consequences.
