Pepco orders probe into Chak Shehzad farm houses' power tariff issue

[Naveed Yaseen]

ISLAMABAD (May 27 2009): Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) has ordered investigation into charging of tariff from the farm houses in Chak Shehzad and surrounding areas. According to a statement issued by Pepco, a committee consisting of Customer Services Director (Convenor), Manager G&I (Member) & Regional Manager (M&T Concerned) has been formed that will submit its report within 10 days.

The spokesman further stated that corrective measures would be taken immediately on finding of discrepancies in tariff collection. The action may include disconnection's, recovery of unpaid amount against capital cost, recovery of less charged bills for any earlier wrong application of tariff and punitive changes etc. Additionally, disciplinary action will be taken against the officers/ officials held responsible for irregularities, if detected at the above sites.

The spokesman said that the committee was entrusted:

(a) to thrash out the cases of the farm houses with independent sub-stations situated in Chak Shehzad and surrounding areas and dig out whether the cost of sub-stations have been recovered or not in the original context ie at the time of getting power connections.

(b) Whether the farm houses have been charged correct tariff after physically verifying the nature of load installed in the premises.

© Whether any conversion of tariff has taken place after installation of connection under some other tariff.

(d) Whether the premises have more than one connection to afford undue benefit to the consumers.

(e) Whether the owners of the farm houses have been extended undue benefits at the cost of interests of IESCO.

(f) The matter of the farm houses must be thoroughly checked to ensure whether the consumers are involved in any foul play.

(g) Farm houses in other areas of Islamabad may also be checked irrespective of the criteria of provision of independent sub-stations.-PR

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