Electricity Company Officials Could Get 3-Year Imprisonment

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a bill allowing for up to three years of imprisonment for electricity company officials involved in overbilling.

The Ministry of Energy has confirmed that the National Assembly has passed legislation aimed at addressing overbilling practices within Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

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Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Ahmad Leghari, emphasized that this step fulfills another commitment made through amendments to the NEPRA Act. Consequently, officials found guilty of overbilling or issuing incorrect bills can now be held responsible. NEPRA will take charge of prosecuting such cases instead of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

It has been reported that DISCOs officials have modified regulations to protect themselves from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Despite this, the FIA will continue to play a role in identifying instances of overbilling, and DISCOs officials will no longer enjoy immunity from prosecution.