Electricity Consumers Likely to Be Allowed More Installments on Heavy Bills

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has proposed allowing power consumers to pay their electricity bills in multiple installments throughout the year, instead of the current limit of one installment annually. NEPRA proposed this as part of amendments to the Consumer Service Manual for harmonizing revenue requirements of distribution companies (DISCOs). According to the proposed changes, electricity consumers making timely payments of their first installment will not be charged any markup. However, DISCOs will be allowed to levy a 14 percent markup on later installments. NEPRA has sought public and stakeholder feedback on these amendments within seven days. These amendments are aimed at easing the financial burden on consumers while ensuring that DISCOs meet their revenue requirements. It is worth noting that NEPRA last amended the Consumer Service Manual in June 2024.