A legal challenge has been filed in Lahore regarding the sharp increase in electricity bills for consumers using up to 200 units, with the issue now taken up by the court as concerns grow over the impact of the slab-based tariff system.
According to details, the Lahore High Court heard a petition filed against the implementation of the slab system in electricity billing, during which the court sought detailed responses from NEPRA and other concerned parties to examine the legal aspects of the matter.
The petitioner argued that the current slab system in electricity billing is in conflict with the Constitution and existing laws, stating that it imposes an unfair financial burden on consumers and violates their fundamental rights.
The court was informed that consumers using up to 200 units fall under the ‘protected category,’ however, even a slight increase in units results in a disproportionately high bill, sometimes more than double, causing serious difficulties for consumers.
The petition further stated that the additional charges are imposed as a penalty for up to six months, which the petitioner described as unjust and lacking legal justification.
During the hearing, it was argued that NEPRA is a regulatory authority and not a punitive body, and that the current slab system directly contradicts provisions of the NEPRA Act, urging the court to declare the system illegal and nullify its implementation.
