How To Fix The Bill Error
1. Verify the Bill Thoroughly
Compare the meter reading on your actual meter with the reading shown on the bill.
Check for unexpected surcharges, tariff changes, or abnormal jumps in usage versus previous bills.
If you’re on a slab or peak/off‑peak tariff, calculate what you should have been charged.
2. Gather Evidence & Documents
Take a clear photo of your meter showing the serial and current reading.
Keep copies of at least 3–6 prior bills and your CNIC and consumer reference number.
Note any unusual issues (e.g. new appliances, meter faults) and document them.
3. File a Complaint (Online or In-Person)
Electricity Discos like IESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, and LESCO offer multiple channels:
Online via CCMS portal:
Register and select “Billing Dispute” or “Overbilling” category.
Upload meter photo, bill PDFs, and your CNIC
Phone/SMS:
MEPCO helpline 118 or SMS to 8118
LESCO: 042‑99205461‑62 or 111‑000‑118
Office Visit:
Bring all documents; request a Bill Correction Form and receipt.
Keep a stamped copy of the complaint
4. Inspection & Follow-Up
The Disco will often inspect your meter and follow their findings with a corrected bill or adjustment next month
Standard timelines:
IESCO/FESCO/MEPCO: 5–10 business days after complaint
Quick actions (15 min–1 hr) for onsite confirmation, especially MEPCO/LESCO via CCMS
Persistently follow up with your ticket/reference number if delayed .
5. Escalation if Needed
Contact the Disco’s higher management (e.g. XEN/SE) if unresolved
File a consumer grievance with NEPRA via their website if your complaint is still pending without resolution
As a last resort, you can take the case to consumer courts — especially if there’s financial/mental damages (see real case from Kupwara, Kashmir)
6. Red Flags & Pro Tips
Faulty or tampered meters: Ask for meter testing or replacement, especially older analog types.
Theft/leakage detection: Hire an electrician to check for wiring issues or shared lines.
Paper trail matters: Keep printed, dated, signed copies of every communication — it builds your case.
Tax exemptions: If you’re a filer, register via PITC to avoid unnecessary income tax charges.
7. Bill Adjustment Outcomes
Corrections may be reflected as a credit on next month’s bill or issuance of a fresh corrected bill.
In rare but serious cases—like billing in someone else’s name—consumer commissions may award compensation (e.g., ₹100,000 in that Kashmir case) .
Quick Summary
Verify → Document → Complain → Follow-up → Escalate
Document everything; persistence and paper trails are your allies.
Online channels offer speed, but visiting an office gives you receipts and stamped proof.
Keep monitoring the outcome and escalate to NEPRA or legal avenues if needed.
PESCO Bill Correction
1. Identify & Document the Error
Compare your meter’s actual reading with the figure printed on the bill.
Note discrepancies in units, extra surcharges, or arrears that don’t match prior payments.
2. File a Complaint through Official Channels
You can lodge a billing dispute via:
Online via CCMS Portal
Visit the official PESCO site (pesco.gov.pk).
Navigate to Customer Service → Register Complaint.
Fill in your 14-digit reference number, phone, name, complaint type (e.g., “Billing Error”), and description. Optionally attach evidence like a meter photo
Phone/SMS/Email Support
Helpline: Call 118, or 111‑000‑128 for billing issues
SMS: Send your complaint to 8118
Email: Use billing.pesco@gmail.com
Visit Your Local PESCO Office
Bring your current and past bills, proof of payment, CNIC, and clear meter photos.
Submit a written complaint or fill out a correction form, and keep a stamped receipt.
3. Meter Inspection & Follow-Up
Once registered, PESCO’s MIS system logs your complaint and may trigger:
A meter inspection or verification.
A manual review to adjust billing records
Turnaround: Typically, simpler meter reading errors are corrected in your next bill cycle (2–3 days to a week) .
As one user described their IESCO experience (similar to PESCO):
“After filing a complaint… they adjusted the bill according to the original reading.”
4. Credit Adjustment or Issuance of Corrected Bill
Errors often get adjusted automatically in the next month’s bill.
PESCO may issue a fresh corrected bill if the mistake is significant.
5. Redress Unresolved Issues
If you still see errors after one billing cycle, escalate by:
Calling back the helpline with your complaint ticket.
Visiting a higher-up (e.g., SDO/XEN) at your subdivision office.
For serious unresolved issues, escalate to NEPRA or consumer protection forums, citing legal precedents such as fines awarded in other regions.
PESCO Complaint Channels for Quick Reference:
Helpline (General & Billing): 118 or 111‑000‑128
SMS Complaint: 8118
Online CCMS Form: PESCO website under “Register Complaint”
Quick Workflow Summary
Verify the meter reading.
Document evidence (photos, past bills, payments).
Complain via CCMS, phone, SMS, email, or office visit.
Follow-up if needed.
Escalate for unresolved cases through higher authorities.
Common “Errors” on PESCO Bills (in simple terms)
1. Incorrect Meter Reading
Typo or Estimation: Sometimes the meter reader might make a mistake or couldn’t physically access your meter, so they estimate your usage.
If your bill doesn’t match what your meter shows, this is often the culprit. From user experiences:
“I checked my meter… readings are incorrect.”
“[After filing a complaint] they’ve adjusted the bill.”
2. “def est” (Defective Estimated)
This happens when PESCO considers your meter defective or unreadable. Instead of your actual usage, they estimate based on previous patterns.
If the meter isn’t replaced within a couple of months, you should reach out to get it inspected.
3. Arrears or Unexpected Old Charges
If your bill suddenly spikes and you see large arrears or “age” amounts, this might be from past billing errors. It’s best to compare old bills to identify when the issue began.
Community advice:
“Take both bills to the electricity office… it definitely looks like a billing issue.”
4. Detection or Theft-Related Bills
These are issued if authorities suspect illegal electricity use or meter tampering—either theft or a technical fault (“slowness”). A technical check may be needed to resolve this.
Steps to Resolve a Billing Error
Check Your Meter
Take a clear photo of the meter reading and compare it to the bill.Contact PESCO Immediately
Helpline: Call 111-000-128 or 118 (or SMS 8118) with your 14-digit reference number.
You can also file an online complaint via PESCO’s CCMS system, which usually acknowledges within 24 hours and resolves issues in up to 14 days.
Visit In Person (if needed)
Take your meter photo and previous bills to your local PESCO subdivision office—especially important if the issue involves arrears or repeated errors.Follow Up
Ask for a tracking number after registering your complaint so you can check the resolution progress.
Quick Summary Table
| Issue on the Bill | Likely Cause | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong meter reading | Estimation or typo | Compare with meter photo & submit complaint |
| “def est” billing | Defective meter | Request meter inspection/replacement |
| Unexpected arrears | Past billing error | Compare bills; take to office for correction |
| Detection bill | Suspected theft or meter fault | Contact PESCO & inquire about technical check |
Your Next Best Steps
Compare your meter reading against the bill.
Document the discrepancy with a photo.
File a complaint through the helpline or online.
Visit PESCO in person if it doesn’t get resolved.
Track your complaint using the provided tracking number.
