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Electricity Detection Bill Policy: برقی چوری کی روک تھام اور بلنگ کا جائزہ

The Electricity Detection Bill Policy is a critical framework implemented by Pakistan’s Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to address electricity theft, meter tampering, or unauthorized usage.
Governed by the Electricity Act 1910 under Sections 26-A, 39, 39-A, and 48, this policy aims to curb financial losses, estimated at over PKR 500 billion annually due to theft in 2024.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for domestic and commercial consumers, detailing the policy’s mechanisms, consumer rights, and appeal processes, ensuring clarity and transparency.
Based on updated 2025 NEPRA guidelines and DISCO policies (e.g., LESCO, MEPCO, HESCO), it offers actionable insights for users facing detection bills.

A detection bill is a supplementary bill issued alongside regular monthly bills when a consumer is found engaging in electricity theft, meter manipulation, or unauthorized consumption.
Examples include bypassing meters through direct hooking or tampering with meter seals to slow or stop readings.
For domestic users with up to 4 KW load, detection bills typically cover 6 months of estimated usage, while industrial users may face up to 12 months.
The policy not only penalizes theft but also compensates DISCOs for losses, ensuring fair distribution of electricity and reducing the burden on subsidized consumers.

Direct Hooking (براہ راست ہک لگانا): Illegally connecting to power lines without a meter, leading to immediate FIR registration and billing.
Meter Tampering (میٹر میں مداخلت): Breaking meter seals, slowing meters, or using fake seals, often detected during routine inspections.
Defective Meter (خراب میٹر): Faulty meters trigger estimated bills based on previous consumption patterns.
Unauthorized Usage (غیر مجاز استعمال): Misusing subsidized connections or using additional unauthorized meters.
Surveillance teams document evidence (e.g., photos, meter readings) to justify detection bills, ensuring transparency.

Electricity Act 1910:
- Section 26-A: Governs the calculation of stolen units, applying a multiplier (3x to 10x) based on theft severity.
- Sections 39 & 39-A: Allow penalties and FIRs for direct theft cases.
- Section 48: Permits recovery of financial losses through detection bills.
NEPRA oversees compliance, ensuring consumers have the right to appeal within 7-30 days.
In 2025, digital surveillance tools, including smart meters, have been integrated to enhance detection accuracy.
For further details, visit NEPRA’s official website.

Formula: Assessed Units = Detected Load (KW) × Hours of Use × Multiplier × Tariff Rate.
Steps:
- Load Assessment: Inspectors estimate load based on appliances (e.g., ACs, pumps).
- Period: 6 months for domestic, 12 months for industrial consumers.
- Multiplier: Ranges from 3x to 10x, depending on theft severity (e.g., 10x for direct hooking).
- Additional Charges: 20-50% penalty, taxes, and service fees.
Example: For a 5 KW load, used 8 hours daily for 6 months, with a 5x multiplier and Rs. 20/unit tariff, the bill approximates Rs. 36,000.
Consumers receive evidence (e.g., inspection reports) to ensure fairness.

LESCO (Lahore):
- Issues 6-month bills for domestic users; industrial bills require competent authority approval.
- Direct hooking cases mandate FIRs.
MEPCO (Multan):
- Appeals handled by XEN/CEO; detailed policy available in PDF format.
HESCO (Hyderabad):
- Offers leniency for domestic users (up to 4 KW); strict compliance for others.
IESCO (Islamabad):
- Installs check meters immediately for tampering cases; defective meters lead to estimated bills.
PESCO (Peshawar):
- Immediate billing for illegal abstractions, with digital billing emphasized in 2025.
All policies align with NEPRA’s oversight, promoting standardized enforcement.

Rights:
- Consumers receive a prior notice before a detection bill is issued.
- Right to appeal within 7-30 days to XEN or NEPRA with supporting evidence.
- Entitled to a fair hearing to contest allegations.
- No disconnection without due legal process, requiring court approval.
Appeal Process:
- Submit complaints via NEPRA’s “Asaan Approach” app or DISCO complaint centers.
- Provide meter readings, photos, or legal documents to support claims.
For assistance, contact NEPRA or visit Power Division’s website.

Consumers: Detection bills can burden low-income households, especially if falsely accused. Regular meter checks and legal support are advised.
Economy: Reduced theft increases DISCO revenue, potentially lowering tariffs. In 2025, detection drives recovered 20% additional revenue.
Transparent enforcement ensures equitable electricity distribution, benefiting subsidized users.
Future advancements, like AI-based smart meters, aim to minimize errors and enhance efficiency.

Regularly inspect meters for tampering or defects.
Report suspicious activity to DISCOs immediately.
Avoid unauthorized connections or overloading sanctioned loads.
Use NEPRA’s online tools to monitor billing and file complaints promptly.
Seek legal advice if accused unfairly to navigate the appeal process effectively.

The Electricity Detection Bill Policy is vital for safeguarding Pakistan’s power system, deterring theft, and ensuring fair billing.
While it imposes penalties, it also protects consumer rights through transparent processes and appeal mechanisms.
By staying informed and proactive, consumers can avoid disputes and contribute to a sustainable electricity ecosystem.