Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (KCCI) Sub-committee on Pubic Sector Utilities, Gas and Power has observed that there is lack of awareness among masses about the rules and regulations the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KSEC) has to follow, as gross violations of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) laws has been witnessed on many occasions.
According to a report of the sub committee, its chairman Dr Qazi Ahmed Kamal noted that the KESC has to follow certain rules and should stop violating the laws and parameters set by Nepra. He said that there was a certain procedure mentioned in consumer manual, which the KESC has to fallow before disconnecting electricity connection of any consumer.
As per the procedure, KESC is bound to issue notice prior to disconnect supply and provide a certain time to consumer prescribed in law and only then they are authorised to disconnect the electrify. If the KESC level charges of theft against consumer then they it has to prove the allegations by installing a second meter and comparing unit consumed. If the unit exceeds from the previous meter's reading then they will charge a bill of equivalent to three months only.
"What they are doing at present is totally illegal and blindly sending bills of hundred thousand of rupees, which is unjustified and this practice must be stopped," he noted in the report. He advised the consumers to read NEPR' s consumer manual, which highlights their rights and after reading this manual consumers would be able to protect their rights effectively.