Discos in Pakistan have been accused of systematically overcharging consumers, with some cases involving charges up to 100% higher than actual consumption. This widespread malpractice has been uncovered by a comprehensive inquiry conducted by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). Senator Raza Rabbani has strongly condemned the Discos' actions and demanded immediate action against them.

Power distribution companies (Discos) across Pakistan have been accused of engaging in widespread malpractice, overcharging consumers by up to 100%. This shocking revelation came to light following a comprehensive inquiry conducted by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).

The Nepra inquiry found that Discos, without exception, were overcharging and over-billing their consumers. In a damning indictment of the Discos' practices, Nepra stated that "there is [not a] single Disco in the country who is charging bills in 100pc correct manner."

The inquiry uncovered a range of malpractices employed by Discos to fleece consumers. These included:

• Billing consumers for more than the mandated 30-day billing period
• Charging consumers a higher slab rate due to the extended billing period
• Moving consumers out of the protected category due to the extended billing period
• Billing consumers on the basis of inaccurate meter readings
• Billing over 0.4 million consumers on the pretext of defective meters
• Sending "fake and frivolous" detection bills to consumers

The Nepra report concluded that the Discos' actions amounted to "criminal activity" and recommended legal action against them. The report also called for the revision of inflated bills and the correction of bills within one billing cycle.

Senator Raza Rabbani has strongly condemned the Discos' practices, stating that they "have been skinning alive users through inflated bills." He has demanded strict action against the Discos, including placing their CEOs on the Exit Control List.

The revelations of widespread overcharging by Discos have sparked outrage among consumers and calls for accountability. The government must act swiftly to address this issue and protect the interests of consumers.