Allowing more than one connection at any premise Nepra may direct KE to restore previous policy

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is likely to ask K-Electric to restore its previous policy of provision of more than one connection at any premise as per consumers' requirement, it emerged on Monday. Reliable sources told Business Recorder that the regulatory body would soon instruct the power utility to allow its consumers to avail more than one meter at a premise instead of single connection at one residence.
"All distribution companies have been implementing the same policy as per Nepra's rules, whereas KE had introduced few years ago one premise (lease) one connection policy without taking formal approval from the regulatory body," they said. Consumers also raised concerns on the utility's move. They believe that under this policy, higher power tariffs are applied on monthly power bills. The policy is creating rifts among the families leaving in similar apartment, they said.
"A single meter has been installed at a residence in which three families are presently living. The monthly power bill is distributed among them equally due to the single connection. How can we determine the actual consumption of each family," a consumer raised question over the existing KE policy. As per the previous policy, a consumer had a choice to install more than one meter at his premise as per his requirement. In a letter on December 29 2015, NEPRA's Deputy Registrar also asked Chief Executive Officer (ECO) K-Electric that the regulator has not received any policy for approval with respect to change in previous policy of KE regarding provision of more than one connection at any premises.
KE cannot make any policy which is contradictory to NEPRA Act, Rules and regulations and palpable documents, and violating consumer interests. The policy (if any) in this regard cannot be implemented by KE without approval of the authority. Elaborating it stated that few complaints were received by Nepra regarding no-provision of 2nd and 3rd connection by K-Electric. The case was taken up with KE. In response, K-Electric replied that the issue is subjudice before Sindh High Court (SHC).
Accordingly, KE was directed to provide copies of the writ petitions and directions of the court restraining Nepra not to intervene in the matter. Upon receipt of documents, it was revealed that only few consumers have filed writ petition against K-Electric regarding removal of 2nd and 3rd connection at a premises. Furthermore, there are no orders of the court restraining Nepra to intervene in the matter. The letter said: "Please note that previously KE has been providing more than one connection at a premise like other distribution companies after fulfilment of all codal formalities. Being licensee of Nepra, all policies of distribution companies, in which consumers' interest is involved, are required to be approved by the authority. Please note that this office has not received any policy for approval with respect to change in previous policy of KE regarding provision of more than one connection at any premises. KE cannot make any policy which s contradictory to NEPRA Act, Rules and regulations and palpable documents, and violating consumer interests. The policy (if any) in this regard cannot be implemented by KE without approval of the authority, it concluded.