Recent speculation circulating on social media regarding a “ban on installing two electricity meters” at residential properties in Pakistan is entirely false. The Power Division has unequivocally stated that these claims are misleading and a deliberate attempt to cause public distress. This official clarification directly addresses concerns about the second electricity meter rules and their impact on household billing. Want to check your June electricity bill? Visit our MEPCO BILL page.

While Pakistan’s government provides crucial electricity subsidies for consumers utilizing under 200 units, aimed at supporting low-income households, the Power Division acknowledges concerns about the misuse of multiple electricity connections to wrongfully claim these benefits. This has led to misconceptions about eligibility. However, it’s vital to understand that legitimate applications for additional electricity meters remain permissible under prevailing laws.

❗ Why Did the Power Division Issue This Clarification?

The Power Division’s recent statement specifically aims to address both widespread misinformation and the persistent issue of electricity subsidy misuse. Authorities have observed instances where property owners install multiple electricity meters in one house to artificially divide their overall consumption. This tactic allows each meter’s reading to remain below the 200-unit threshold, enabling them to unfairly qualify as ‘protected consumers’ and receive subsidized rates.

In reality, these households often consume significantly higher amounts, such as 700-800 units monthly, effectively diverting subsidies intended for genuinely low-income families. The clarification underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring fair electricity distribution and preventing fraudulent claims.

🔎 What Happens Next: Ensuring Compliance for Electricity Meters

In response to widespread confusion, NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) and various electricity distribution companies in Pakistan will be conducting inspections. These efforts aim to verify that multiple electricity meters installed at residential properties comply with established regulations. It’s crucial to understand that simply having more than one meter isn’t illegal; however, connections found in undivided residential units – those not meeting the criteria for a separate living space – will be deemed non-compliant.

Such non-compliant electricity connections are subject to disconnection. The Power Division strongly urges the public to cooperate with electricity distribution companies to ensure transparent and lawful utilization of all electricity meters. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the power supply system.

💡 Why This Official Clarification is Important?

The core objective behind the Power Division’s official statement is to effectively curtail the misuse of electricity subsidies. The Government of Pakistan is resolute in ensuring that subsidized electricity rates genuinely benefit only the poor and low-income segments of society. This clarity helps differentiate legitimate usage from exploitative practices.

However, it’s also crucial for authorities to implement these regulations judiciously. Industry experts advocate for careful application, emphasizing that genuinely joint family households or properties with truly distinct, separate living units should not be unfairly penalized under the guise of enforcing compliance.

🏠 Eligibility for a Second Electricity Meter in Pakistan

The Power Division has confirmed that applying for a second electricity meter remains entirely permissible for residential properties under prevailing Pakistani laws. It’s important to clarify that this isn’t about saving money through multiple meters; rather, it’s about serving genuinely separate living units.
According to the NEPRA Consumer Services Manual 2021, a residential unit is eligible for an additional meter if it genuinely constitutes a separate living space, characterized by:
A distinct portion of the property.
A separate entrance for independent access.
Its own kitchen facility.
An independent electric circuit.
Essentially, if your property is structurally divided into two self-contained units, akin to individual apartments, then you are legally entitled to apply for a second electricity meter connection.

📝 What Documents Are Required?

If you meet the condition above, you must submit an affidavit on Rs 50 stamp paper. The affidavit must declare that different families are living in separate portions. Both portions are being used separately and have separate entrances. The development authority will verify your house layout according to the law.

🚨 What if someone already has multiple Meters?

For homeowners currently possessing multiple electricity meter connections where the property is not genuinely divided into separate, eligible units (lacking distinct entrances, independent electric circuits, and kitchens), the extra electricity meters are subject to disconnection.

If you are part of a joint family residing in a single, undivided dwelling, it’s advisable to consider creating clear structural divisions and separate access points for each independent living area. Non-compliance could lead to severe repercussions, including the recovery of illegally obtained subsidies. For instance, any subsidies received over the preceding six months due to improper meter usage may be added to your upcoming electricity bills.

👀 Summary – Simple and Clear

🧠 Expert Advice on Electricity Meter Compliance

It is undeniable that some individuals deliberately install multiple electricity meters without genuine structural separation, solely to illegally claim subsidies. This practice is both unfair and against the law. However, it’s equally important to recognize that many joint families legitimately utilize multiple meters within a shared property, with each meter serving a truly independent living space. The Power Division’s approach must be judicious, ensuring that compliant consumers are not unfairly penalized.

The Power Division has sternly warned that spreading or sharing false news is a punishable offense under the PECA Act. Therefore, it is imperative for citizens to rely solely on official sources for information regarding electricity meter regulations. Citizens must electricity meter connections are fully compliant to avoid future complications.

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