A preliminary analysis of random data of electricity distribution companies (Discos) has found massive presumptive billing, overcharging and increase in system losses, leading to an outburst of public anger and increased consumer complaints.
These initial findings are based on evaluation of about 150,000 consumer data across 10 distribution companies of Wapda (Water and Power Development Authority) conducted by a team headed by prime minister’s special assistant Dr Mussadik Malik.
Malik is expected to submit a report to the federal cabinet on Sept 22 (Monday) that would suggest lifting a ban on recruitment of meter readers.
“We have moved a summary for fresh inductions and hope to get approval for induction of at least 50 per cent against vacant posts of meter readers immediately,” a water and power ministry official confirmed. He declined to give the number of vacant posts but said the shortage was in tens of thousands.
