The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed serious concern over alleged financial irregularities in Pakistan’s power sector after audit officials revealed that hundreds of thousands of electricity consumers were overbilled by billions of rupees. The findings have intensified calls for greater accountability and transparency within the country’s power distribution companies.
During a recent PAC meeting, audit officials informed lawmakers that electricity distribution companies issued inflated bills to 278,649 consumers, resulting in alleged overbilling of Rs. 47.81 billion (around Rs. 4,800 crore) in a single month. The audit report claimed that incorrect meter readings were used to generate higher bills, placing an unfair financial burden on consumers.
According to the audit, the overbilling was allegedly carried out to conceal operational inefficiencies as well as transmission and distribution (T&D) losses faced by power distribution companies. Instead of addressing technical and administrative shortcomings, the report suggested that inflated billing practices shifted the financial impact onto electricity users.
The largest share of the alleged overbilling was attributed to the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which accounted for nearly Rs. 45 billion of the total amount identified by auditors. Meanwhile, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) was reportedly responsible for approximately Rs. 1.56 billion in excess billing.
Members of the Public Accounts Committee voiced concern over the scale of the alleged irregularities and questioned how such practices could occur without effective oversight. Lawmakers stressed the importance of protecting consumers from unfair billing while ensuring that public institutions remain accountable for financial management.
The committee also sought explanations from the relevant authorities regarding the audit observations and the mechanisms used to verify electricity consumption. Officials were asked to clarify whether corrective measures had been taken to identify affected consumers and recover any excess amounts charged through inaccurate meter readings.
Electricity overbilling has remained a recurring concern for consumers across Pakistan, particularly during periods of high energy demand. Consumer rights advocates have repeatedly called for greater transparency in meter reading, billing procedures, and complaint resolution systems to reduce disputes and improve public confidence in utility services.
Experts believe that improving digital metering systems, strengthening internal audits, and enhancing monitoring mechanisms could help reduce billing errors and prevent similar incidents in the future. They also emphasize the need for stricter accountability measures to ensure distribution companies comply with regulatory standards.
The latest audit findings have once again highlighted broader challenges within Pakistan’s power sector, including operational inefficiencies, transmission losses, and financial management issues. Addressing these structural problems is considered essential for improving service delivery while reducing unnecessary costs for consumers.
The PAC is expected to continue reviewing the matter and may seek further action from the relevant authorities to determine responsibility, recover any improperly charged amounts where applicable, and introduce reforms aimed at preventing future overbilling incidents. The committee’s scrutiny underscores the growing demand for transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s electricity sector.
