Discos launch new electricity bill format

ISLAMABAD: Power Distribution Companies (Discos) across the country have introduced a redesigned electricity bill format aimed at clearly separating energy charges from taxes and addressing widespread misconceptions among consumers, sources told Business Recorder.

According to the sources, misleading narratives circulating on social media regarding electricity bills have necessitated the change.

For instance, claims that a consumer has been charged Rs5,000 for consumption of only 50 units often create confusion and trigger public criticism without reflecting the actual breakdown of charges.

“The objective of revising the bill format is also to make it clear that Discos are primarily acting as tax collection agents for various government entities,” the sources added.

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Discos acts as a withholding tax agent for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). They collect Income Tax, Sales Tax, and Further/Extra Tax depending on the billing tier and filer status.

Currently, consumers (industrial, commercial and domestic, bulk) are paying general sales, income tax, advance income tax, further sales tax, extra sales tax, retailer sales tax, electricity duty and Debt Service Surcharge (DSS).

An official statement issued on Wednesday said the new format has been developed with a focus on simplicity, clarity and improved readability, enabling consumers to better understand key billing components in a structured and accessible manner.

The redesigned bill allows consumers to quickly grasp their electricity consumption, billing details and payment obligations without navigating complex and cluttered information. The initiative follows longstanding complaints from consumers and stakeholders regarding the previous format.

The Ministry had received numerous complaints highlighting that the earlier bill layout was difficult to comprehend due to excessive technical details, overcrowded presentation and repetitive content, making it challenging for consumers to identify key information.

In response, the Ministry undertook a comprehensive redesign exercise in line with its broader objective of improving service delivery and transparency in the power sector.

The new format features a simplified layout with prominent display of key details such as total payable amount, due date and units consumed. Information has been reorganised to ensure ease of understanding, while reduced visual complexity enhances accessibility for a wider range of consumers.

Additionally, Quick Response (QR) codes have been incorporated into the bills, enabling consumers to access supplementary information and digital services conveniently.

The Ministry acknowledged the role of consumer and stakeholder feedback in shaping the redesigned format and reiterated its commitment to reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and consumer satisfaction.

Currently, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) have begun issuing bills under the new format, while Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) is expected to adopt it from next week. Other Discos are in the process of making necessary arrangements and will implement the new format in due course.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026