Common MEPCO Bill Errors and How to Get Them Corrected

Electricity bills are a big monthly expense, and even a small error on your MEPCO bill can cost you a lot of extra money. The good news: if there is a genuine mistake, you have the right to get it checked and corrected.

This guide explains, in simple language:

How to recognize possible errors on your MEPCO bill
The most common types of mistakes
What to check yourself before complaining
How to get errors corrected through MEPCO

This is general information only. Rules and procedures can change, so always confirm details with your local MEPCO office or official contacts.

How to Spot a Problem in Your MEPCO Bill

Before you assume there is an error, go through this quick checklist:

Is your bill much higher than usual without any clear reason (no new appliances, no heatwave, no extra guests)?
Do the meter readings on the bill match the numbers shown on your actual meter?
Are there old arrears showing that you already paid?
Is the name, address or tariff category on the bill wrong?
Are there any extra charges you don’t understand (miscellaneous, surcharges, etc.)?

If one or more of these look suspicious, your bill may contain an error and it’s worth checking carefully.

Common MEPCO Bill Errors

1. Wrong Meter Reading

This is one of the most common problems.

Signs:

The current meter reading on the bill is higher than the reading on your actual meter.
Your units used this month are unusually high when compared to past bills, even though your usage has not changed.

Possible reasons:

Human error by the meter reader when noting the numbers
Entering the reading incorrectly in the system
Reading from the wrong meter (e.g., neighbour’s meter)

2. Estimated or “Assessed” Units for Multiple Months

Sometimes, if the meter reader cannot access your meter (locked gate, no one home, etc.), MEPCO may:

Use an estimated reading or
Add “assessed units” based on previous usage

If this happens for several months in a row, a later “catch‑up” reading can create a very high bill that is confusing.

3. Previous Arrears That Are Already Paid

Another common issue is when:

You paid last month’s bill on time, but
The new bill still shows “previous balance” or “arrears”

This can happen if:

The payment was not updated in MEPCO’s system before the next bill was generated
A bank or mobile wallet delayed sending payment information
The consumer number / reference number was entered wrongly during payment

4. Wrong Tariff Category

Your bill includes a tariff category, such as:

Domestic
Commercial
Industrial
Single‑phase / three‑phase, etc.

If this category is wrong, you may pay more than necessary.

Example:
A house connection is billed under commercial tariff by mistake, or a small business is billed as an industrial user.

5. Incorrect Name or Address

Sometimes the:

Name of the consumer
Father/husband name
Address

is printed incorrectly or still shows the previous owner.

While this may not change the amount immediately, it can cause problems later (for example, during property sale, loan processing, or ownership disputes).

6. Late Payment Surcharge Added by Mistake

If MEPCO records your payment as late, your bill may show a late payment surcharge.

This can be an error if:

You paid before the due date
The bank or app processed your payment on time, but updated MEPCO’s record late
The due date printed on the bill was not clear and you paid according to it

7. Extra or Unclear Charges

Sometimes you may see extra items like:

Misc charges
Adjustments
Fuel price adjustments, taxes, etc.

Many of these are legitimate regulatory charges, but if you see sudden or unusually high extra amounts without explanation, you can ask MEPCO to clarify and verify them.

What to Check Before You File a Complaint

Before going to MEPCO, do some basic checks at home. This will save time and make your complaint stronger.

1. Compare the Meter Reading

Note the current reading on your meter (take a clear photo).
Compare it with the current reading printed on the bill.
If the bill reading is clearly higher than your meter reading, there may be a reading or entry error.

2. Check Unit Calculation

On your bill:

Units = Current Reading – Previous Reading

See if this subtraction matches the units mentioned on the bill.
If not, there may be a calculation problem.

3. Look at Past Bills

Check the last 3–6 months:

Has your usage usually been similar (e.g., 200–300 units) and suddenly jumped to 800+ without reason?
Are arrears showing that did not appear earlier?

This history helps MEPCO see that your current bill is unusual.

4. Gather Payment Proof

If the issue is about paid arrears or late surcharge, collect:

Bank receipts / payment slips
Screenshots from mobile wallets or banking apps
SMS from your bank confirming bill payment

Make sure the reference number, date and amount are visible.

How to Get MEPCO Bill Errors Corrected

In most cases, you can use a combination of:

Phone complaint
Visit to the MEPCO office
Online or written complaint (where available)

Step 1: Collect All Relevant Documents

Before contacting MEPCO, prepare:

Latest MEPCO bill (original or clear copy)
1–2 old bills for comparison
CNIC copy of the consumer (and owner, if different)
Proof of payment (slips, screenshots), if the issue is arrears or surcharge
Clear photo of the meter showing the current reading and, if possible, the meter number

Keep everything together in a small file or envelope.

Step 2: Call MEPCO Helpline / Customer Service

Most MEPCO bills mention:

A helpline number
Sometimes a local complaint number

What to do:

Call the number printed on your bill.
Provide:
- Your reference number / consumer number
- Your name and address
- A short, clear explanation of the problem (e.g., “current reading on bill is higher than actual meter”, “previous arrears already paid on [date]”)
Ask the operator to:
- Register a formal complaint
- Give you a complaint number / ticket number
- Tell you the expected time for checking or correction

Write down the complaint number and date of your call. This is important for follow‑up.

Step 3: Visit Your MEPCO Sub‑Division or Customer Service Center

For many billing issues, especially if the amount is big, it is better to visit the local office in person.

What to do:

Go to the sub‑division office / customer service center mentioned on your bill.
Take all documents and proofs with you.
At the complaint or customer desk, explain that you want to register a billing error complaint.
They may:
- Give you a written complaint form to fill, or
- Enter your details directly in their system

On the form or to the staff, mention clearly:

Type of error (wrong reading, arrears already paid, wrong tariff, etc.)
Any important dates (when you paid, when you noticed the problem)

Ask for a receiving slip or written note with your complaint number.

Step 4: Site Visit / Meter Re‑Checking (If Needed)

For issues like wrong reading, fast meter or unusual high units, MEPCO may send:

A meter reader
An inspector or technical staff

They will:

Check the actual meter reading
Examine the meter condition (stuck, burnt, broken glass, etc.)
Compare with the readings recorded in the system

Try to be available or have someone at home who can show them the meter and any relevant documents.

Step 5: Correction and Adjustment

If MEPCO confirms that there was a mistake, they may:

Issue a revised bill for the same month, or
Adjust the extra amount in your next bill (for example, crediting units or amount)

Types of corrections can include:

Reducing units if reading was higher than actual
Removing wrongly added arrears or late payment surcharge
Updating tariff category or consumer details

Ask the office staff:

How the correction will appear (revised bill vs. next bill adjustment)
When you should expect to see it

Step 6: Follow Up if Needed

If nothing changes within the promised time:

Call the helpline again with your complaint number.
Visit the office with your receipts and complaint record.
Request to speak to the relevant officer (SDO/XEN or customer service in‑charge).

Stay calm and polite but firm, and keep a record of all visits and conversations (dates, names, what they said).

How to Handle Specific Errors

A. Wrong Meter Reading / Very High Units

Compare the meter reading on the bill with your actual meter.
If the bill shows more than the meter, take photos and complain immediately.
After checking, MEPCO can:
- Correct the reading
- Recalculate units
- Issue a revised bill or adjust the difference later

B. Arrears Showing Even After Payment

Collect receipts / screenshots clearly showing date, amount and reference number.
Attach them with your written complaint or show them at the office.
Once verified, MEPCO should:
- Remove the wrong arrears
- Remove any late payment surcharge related to that error

C. Wrong Tariff Category

Check your actual usage (domestic vs. commercial).
If you believe your category is wrong:
- Ask MEPCO which documents are required to change tariff (e.g., ownership papers, application form).
- Submit a request for tariff correction, not just a complaint.
Once approved, future bills should be issued under the correct category.
- In some cases, adjustments for past months may also be possible, depending on MEPCO rules.

Tips to Avoid MEPCO Bill Problems in Future

Note your own meter reading around the same time every month and keep a small record.
Pay bills early, not on the last day, to reduce the chance of late posting.
Always check that the consumer/reference number is correct when paying by bank or app.
Keep payment receipts for at least a few months.
Report damaged or unclear meters (foggy glass, broken display) as soon as you notice.
Make sure MEPCO has your correct mobile number, so they can contact you if there is a doubt about reading or payment.