Key Takeaways
- PHMA has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the new electricity bill format.
- The association claims the revised format is a setback for transparency and consumer rights.
- Key details such as meter-reading snapshots have been removed, making it harder for consumers to verify bills.
The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revert the new electricity bill format introduced from June 2026. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, PHMA North Zone Chairman Abdul Hameed highlighted that the revised format lacks crucial information such as meter-reading snapshots and connection dates.
According to Hameed, these changes have significantly impacted consumer transparency and rights. The new bill format has removed essential details like arrears history, units-consumed columns, and a breakdown of statutory charges, making it difficult for consumers to verify their bills accurately.
Abdul Hameed further stated that the implementation bypassed mandatory NEPRA procedures, as no petition or public hearing was held before the changes were made. He emphasized that this violates provisions outlined in the NEPRA Consumer Service Manual, which mandates such procedural compliance.
The PHMA also pointed out that QR codes cannot replace printed information, especially for those without digital access. Hameed demanded a restoration of the previous bill format and strict adherence to regulatory procedures for any future changes. He called for an inquiry into who authorized the removal of essential consumer data from electricity bills.
In his letter, Hameed stressed that the new format is not in line with NEPRA’s guidelines and has created confusion among consumers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and ensuring that all necessary information is available to consumers.
The PHMA believes that the current bill format undermines consumer trust and could lead to disputes over billing discrepancies. They are urging the government to take immediate action to address these issues and restore the previous format, which they believe better serves the interests of both consumers and businesses.
