Pesco asked to overcome over-billing on priority basis

The board of directors, Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (Pesco) has directed the management of the company to redress complaints regarding over-billing on priority basis, saying consumers are fed up with over-billing.
The 65th meeting of the BoD was held here at Wapda House with chairman, Hassamuddin Bangash in the chair. Superintending Engineer Peshawar Circle, Khyer Circle, Mardan Circle, Swat Circle, Hazara Circle and Bannu Circle gave detailed presentation to the BoD about the performance of their respective circles.
The company secretary presented minutes of 64th BOD which were approved after detailed discussion with minor amendments. Procurement of 12 nos. 20/26MVA and seven nos. 40MVA power transformers (ADB project) was handed over to Purchase Committee for more detailed analysis for final decision. Moreover, establishment of 132 substation and relevant Transmission Line at Gomal University D.I Khan under ADB Tranche-II was also handed over to Purchase Committee for detailed analysis.
The board approved changes in security deposit for industrial customers of B3 and B4 category and reviewed in detail the monthly statement of over-billing and issued several instructions to the SEs. The board said over-billing is to be avoided at all costs. It was optimistic to end the over-billing culture very soon. It also reviewed the half-yearly performance of all circles and issued instructions to all SEs in this regard. It was of the opinion to strictly implement reward and punishment system and only efficient employees be promoted on the basis of their performance.
The board praised the increase in recovery and reduction in line losses by some sub divisions but at the same time expressed dissatisfaction on the performance of many sub divisions. It also analysed the directions issued to the field formations regarding improvement of consumers' services. Time scale up-gradation of Pesco employees was referred to HR Committee for report.
Furthermore, the meeting directed Pesco management for carrying load-shedding in proportion with stealing, which means "more stealing more load-shedding, less stealing less-load shedding". The BoD appreciated the performance of the company and instructed bringing further improvement in it to face the future challenges. It accorded approval to a number of other technical and administrative matters.