Electricity Disconnection Rules & Reconnection Procedure 2023
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) of Pakistan is liable to disconnect the electricity connection of a consumer who is a payment defaulter, energy pilferer, and using unauthorized energy or violating the company’s policies.
MEPCO, the Multan Electric Power Company, has systematically crafted a structured framework of electricity disconnection rules and a comprehensive procedure for reconnection.
Understanding these key policies and guidelines is crucial for consumers and utility providers to ensure reliable functioning and smooth provision of electrical services. So, let’s dive into the details!
Electricity Disconnection Rules and Policy Regulations
Rules for Payment Defaulters
Upon non-payment of the consumer bill, the company will issue an electricity disconnection notice to the consumer. However, suppose the user fails to settle his outstanding dues even after receiving the notice. In that case, his connection will be cut off until he clears the complete payment along with the additional surcharges.
It is important to mention here that the power connection of consumers who are allowed to pay the energy bill in installments shall not be disconnected as long as they strictly adhere to the compliance of the payment plan.
Complaints/Payment Disputes
If the consumer has filed a complaint against wrong billing to the AMO/MO/CEO or the Electric Inspector’s office, his electric supply can’t be disconnected until the resolution of the dispute.
How to Complaint Against Wrong Billing?
Unauthorized usage of Sanctioned Load
The consumers who want to extend their sanctioned load would need to apply for the said through a proper channel. Consuming a load above the sanctioned amount can lead you toward electricity disconnection.
Electricity disconnection rules for Illegal Connections
Another common reason for power cut-off is illegal energy connections. Such illicit acts undermine the integrity of the power supply system as well as may pose safety risks to electricity users. Therefore, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) directs DISCOs to take stringent actions against illegal electric connections throughout the country.
Electricity Disconnection Procedure on Consumer’s Request
The consumers may also request for disconnection of electricity meter according to the below-mentioned policy guidelines:
- The application for disconnection of the electricity meter will be sent to the Chief Executive Engineer (Div. Manager, Operations) concerned.
- The consumer must pay all the previous bills and arrears till the date of the disconnection application.
- The exemption in fixed charges can be availed for the disconnection period of 30 consecutive days for 24 consecutive months.
- No fee will be charged to the consumer if he resumes his connection services instantly after the expiry period of disconnection.
- When the allowed time of disconnection ends, the connection will be automatically restored along with all the surcharges. Further, suppose the customer defaults in payments of fixed charges of disconnection or reconnection after the expiry period. In that case, his services will be cut off, and the electric meter, transformer, or any other equipment installed at his premises will be removed.
Temporary Disconnection of Electricity Supply
Electricity consumers can request a temporary disconnection for a maximum of 11 months under the following terms by NEPRA:
- The consumer has paid all the electricity bills and the outstanding dues/surcharges till the date.
- The exemption from fixed charges shall apply for the actual duration of disconnection.
- No fee will be charged to the consumer if he requests electricity reconnection within 7 days after the expiry of the disconnection period.
- If the consumer defaults in future payments, his connection and the equipment installed at the premises will be removed till the clearance of all dues. However, he can request reconnection as per the company terms.
Permanent Disconnection of Electricity Supply
The consumers who intend to shut off the energy supply services permanently shall send an application to the concerned Load Sanctioning Officer. He gets the electricity bill payment details of the consumers from the Revenue Officer and orders a disconnection order after receiving the latest bill and electricity dues from the customer. After permanent disconnection, the consumer is not liable for any misuse of electricity through that connection.
How to Reconnect Electricity after Disconnection?
For reconnection of the electricity supply, the consumer shall send an application to the AMO/AMCS office. However, all the outstanding electricity dues and the fixed charges of reconnection should be cleared before submitting a reconnection application.
Following are the details of the Minimum/Fixed Reconnection Charges applicable to the energy consumers:
Please Note: Meter Rent is charged to consumers for the complete duration of disconnection till the date of reconnection.
| Type of Connection | Applicable Minimum/Fixed Charges |
| General Supply Tariff A-1 and A-II of Single Phase Connection | Fixed Charges of Rs. 100 |
| General Supply Tariff A-I and A-II For 3-Phase Connection | – If the period of disconnection is up to 90 days, fixed charges for the exact duration of disconnection apply along with the arrears. –Â If disconnection continues for more than 90 days and up to 3 years, minimum charges of one month apply after each quarter besides the charges of 90 days. – For more than 3 years, along with the charges mentioned in the above 2 conditions, the consumer will have to pay a fixed charge of one month for every year. |
| · Industrial Supply Tariff B-I, B-II, B-III, B-IV · Agricultural connections (tube wells and irrigation pumps) · For Flat Rate Tariff D-I | – If the period of disconnection is up to ninety days, minimum/fixed charges for the actual duration apply. – For above 90 to 3 years disconnection duration, the fixed charges will be as a month for each quarter along with the minimum fee of 90 days. – For the above 3-year period, the fixed/minimum charges shall apply as one month per year along with the amount discussed in the above two points. |
| For Public Lighting Tariff-G | – NIL |
| Bulk Supply Tariff C-I, C-2, C-3) | – NIL |
Reconnection Charges for Electricity and Security Deposit
For reconnection of the electricity supply, MEPCO charges the following reconnection fee structure to the consumers:
| Outstanding Payment | Reconnection Fee |
| For arrears of Rs. 5000 | Rs. 500/- |
| Arrears more than Rs. 5,000 up to Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 900/- |
| From more than Rs- 15,000 to Rs. 100,000 | Rs. 2000/- |
| For arrears above Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000 | Rs. 2500/- |
| More than Rs. 5 Lac | Rs. 10,000/- |
| Disconnection due to illegal electricity usage | Rs. 2000/- |
- The energy users will also need to pay a security deposit as per the following terms:
- If the power cut-off duration is less than a year and the security is not adjusted against the arrears, no additional security deposit shall apply.
- If the security is not adjusted against the outstanding dues and the disconnection period is more than a year, the security fee will apply as the amount equal to the difference between the already deposited security amount and the currently established rate.
- For consumers who have paid the security deposit against the arrears and the duration of disconnection is more than a year, the prevalent security charges are applied.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the vital electricity disconnection rules of WAPDA and the complete procedure of reconnection. However, for further queries, you can contact the MEPCO helpline available 24/7 for customer complaints and guidelines.
