6.1 Meter Reading and Billing
Meter reading of all the consumers of IESCO is carried out on a routine basis each month to record the consumption of energy consumed by each consumer during a given period (billing cycle/billing month). The meter reading is generally taken/recorded by the concerned staff of IESCO. For this purpose, the consumers of each sub-division are divided into a number of batches and sub-batches. The meter reading program is prepared such that the meters of a batch are normally read on the same dates each month.
Taking snapshots of meter readings of all consumer categories is mandatory. Meter readings are taken through mobile snapshots/handheld units to ensure correct readings. The snapshots — including Net Metering facility wherever applicable, showing import and export units — are printed on the electricity bill. IESCO shall make available records of snapshots for twelve months for presenting before NEPRA, POI, Court of Law or any other competent forum if required for settlement of a billing dispute raised by any consumer.
Meter Readers shall also check for irregularities/discrepancies in the metering system at the time of reading meters/taking snapshots and report the same in the reading book/discrepancy book. The concerned officer/official will take corrective action to rectify these discrepancies.
If due to any force majeure it is not possible for IESCO to take an actual meter reading, the consumer may provide a meter reading snapshot to IESCO for carrying out actual billing. Alternatively, IESCO may issue a provisional bill on an average basis (i.e. consumption in the corresponding month(s) of last year or average consumption of the previous eleven months, whichever is lower). In such a case, the bill with slab benefit will be issued as per actual meter reading upon normalization of the situation.
6.2 Percentage Checking
In order to ensure recording of correct meter readings, percentage checks over readings already recorded by officials will be carried out as follows:
6.2.1 Line Superintendent In-charge:
General Supply/General Services: 5% check
Industrial up to 20 kW load: 15% check
Agriculture Tube Wells: 15% check
6.2.2 Meter Reading Section Supervisor: Will exercise at least 15% check on Industrial and Agriculture Tube Well consumers having sanctioned load up to 20 kW, and at least 20 General Supply/General Service consumers per week. Any discrepancy noticed shall be reported to the SDO/AM(O).
6.2.3 SDO/AM(O): Will physically check at site at least 2% of Industrial, Commercial and Agriculture Tube Well connections with load up to 40 kW each month, and at least 5 other meters per day. Will initiate disciplinary action against Meter Readers who do not record correct readings.
6.2.4 Executive Engineer/Deputy Manager (Operation): Will physically check at least 10% readings of meters of Industrial, Agricultural and Commercial consumers with load above 40 kW and up to 500 kW, and at least 2 other meters per day. SE/Manager(O) will check at least 15% of consumers with load over 500 kW.
Note: The primary responsibility for correct meter reading rests on the officer/official responsible for monthly meter reading in routine.
6.3 Meter Reading of AMR
A separate batch has been created for connections where AMR (Automated Meter Reading) systems are installed. Billing of such consumers is carried out remotely as per schedule made by IESCO.
6.4 Time Period for Payment of Bills
The due date for payment of bills shall be within fifteen (15) days from the issue date. However, consumers will have a clear seven (7) days from the date of actual delivery of the bill for payment. IESCO may develop alternative methods for distribution/dispatch of electricity bills electronically (e.g. through e-mail, WhatsApp, etc.).
6.5 Procedure for Bills Distribution
The Bill Distributor shall deliver bills at the premises of consumers within one day of receipt of bills for distribution. Electricity bills shall be available on IESCO's website for downloading and payment. AM(O), DM(O) and SE (Operation) shall ensure delivery of bills within stipulated time.
6.6 Collection / Payment of Electricity Bills
All Commercial Bank Branches and Post Offices of the respective City/District where the connection exists shall collect electricity bills from consumers. Online payment and payment through ATM Card/Credit Cards or through cross cheques at designated bank branches can also be made where possible. NADRA KIOSKs are also authorized to collect electricity bills.
In order to avoid Late Payment Surcharge (LPS), consumers shall pay their bills within the due date. Consumers can also make payments in Revenue Offices through crossed cheques/pay orders/bank drafts, deposited at least three days prior to the due date to ensure realization within due date.