Bill Arrears

Guide to MEPCO Bill Arrears, Adjustments and Late Fees

MEPCO bills can sometimes show extra amounts under “arrears”, “previous balance”, “adjustment” or “late payment surcharge”. Many consumers are not sure what these lines mean or how they affect the final payable amount.

This guide gives a simple overview of:

  • What arrears are and why they appear
  • How adjustments can change your bill
  • How late fees (late payment surcharge) generally work
  • What you can do if something looks wrong

All information here is general and informational only. Actual rules, amounts and policies are decided by MEPCO and NEPRA and may change. Always confirm details with official MEPCO channels before making financial decisions.

1. What Are Arrears on a MEPCO Bill?

On an electricity bill, arrears usually means:

An amount from previous billing periods that has not yet been fully paid or cleared.

It can appear under words such as:

  • “Previous balance”
  • “Arrears”
  • “Outstanding amount”

If arrears are present, they are normally added to the current bill total.

Common Reasons Arrears Appear

Some typical reasons include:

  • A previous bill was not paid at all
  • The last bill was only partly paid
  • A payment was made but not updated in MEPCO’s system in time
  • An old correction or adjustment is being added
  • Charges from an earlier period (for example, after a meter test or tariff change) are now being billed

Because there can be many scenarios, it is important to check your own payment history and receipts.

2. Where to See Arrears on Your Bill

Layout can change over time, but usually you will find:

  • A section showing “Current Bill” (for this month’s usage)
  • A separate line for “Previous balance / Arrears”
  • A final “Payable amount” that combines everything

When you look at the bill:

  1. Note the current month’s charges.
  2. Look for any previous balance or arrears line.
  3. Confirm that the final total is the sum of these parts plus any taxes and surcharges.

3. How to Check If Arrears Are Correct

Before you raise a complaint, it helps to do some basic checks yourself.

A. Compare With Your Last Paid Bill

  • Take your previous month’s bill and look at the total amount due.
  • Compare this with the arrears shown on your new bill.

If:

  • You did not pay that previous bill → the arrears may simply be the old amount.
  • You did pay in full → arrears should normally be zero, unless there were older unpaid amounts or later corrections.

B. Check Your Payment Proofs

Collect:

  • Bank receipt or slip (if you paid at a bank or retailer)
  • Screenshot from your mobile wallet or banking app
  • SMS confirmation from your bank (if any)

Make sure the proof clearly shows:

  • Correct reference / consumer number
  • Amount paid
  • Payment date

If your payment proof matches the last bill amount and shows a date on or before the due date, but the new bill still shows arrears, it may be a posting or system issue.

4. Common Arrear Scenarios

Scenario 1: Previous Bill Completely Unpaid

If you missed paying a bill:

  • The entire unpaid amount from that month will usually show as arrears on the next bill.
  • A late payment surcharge may also be added (see section on late fees).

Scenario 2: Partial Payment

If you paid less than the full amount:

  • The difference between what was billed and what you paid becomes arrears.
  • This remaining part is carried forward until fully cleared.

Scenario 3: Payment Made but Not Reflected

Sometimes:

  • The bill is paid, but MEPCO’s record is not updated before the next bill is generated.
  • This can happen due to delays in data transfer from banks or apps.

In this case, arrears may appear even though you paid.
You will need to show payment proof so that MEPCO can correct the record.

Scenario 4: Arrears After Adjustments or Corrections

If there was:

  • A meter change,
  • A wrong reading correction, or
  • A tariff category adjustment,

MEPCO might recalculate past usage and add extra charges or credits.
If extra charges are added, they may appear as part of arrears or as a separate “adjustment” line.

5. What Are Adjustments on a MEPCO Bill?

The word “adjustment” can cover different things, depending on the situation.

Possible Types of Adjustments

  • Meter reading correction:
    If a previous bill had a wrong reading and MEPCO corrects it later, the difference may be added or subtracted as an adjustment.
  • Meter test or meter change result:
    If your meter was checked or replaced and older usage was recalculated, an adjustment may appear for that older period.
  • Tariff or unit rate change:
    If official rates changed with effect from an earlier date, a one‑time adjustment for the difference may be added.
  • Fuel price or regulatory changes:
    Some adjustments are linked to fuel price adjustments (FPA/FCA) or other regulatory decisions and can be positive or negative.

Because each case can be different, it is useful to:

  • Read any notes printed on the bill
  • Ask MEPCO staff for a clear explanation if an adjustment amount is large or unclear

6. Late Payment Surcharge

If a bill is paid after the due date, a late payment surcharge is usually added.

General Idea of Late Fees

  • The surcharge is an extra amount applied when the payment is late.
  • It may be calculated as a percentage or fixed method approved by regulators.
  • Once added, it increases the total amount payable.

On your bill, it might be shown under names such as:

  • “Late payment surcharge”
  • “LPS” or similar abbreviation

The exact calculation method is defined by official tariff rules, not by this website.

When Late Fees Normally Apply

Late fees may be applied when:

  • You pay after the printed due date, or
  • A previous arrear remains unpaid and is carried forward.

The best way to avoid these charges is to pay before the due date and keep proof of payment.

7. How to Avoid Arrears and Late Fees

A few simple habits can prevent many problems:

  1. Pay early, not on the last day
    • Try to clear the bill a few days before the due date to allow for processing time.
  2. Check the reference / consumer number carefully
    • A single wrong digit in the number can send your payment to the wrong account.
  3. Keep all payment receipts and screenshots
    • Store them for at least several months in case you need to prove a payment.
  4. Track your bills each month
    • Note when a bill is received and when you pay it.
    • If a bill does not arrive, use official MEPCO or authorised online services to view your current amount.
  5. Follow up quickly if something looks wrong
    • Do not wait for multiple months if you see unexpected arrears or adjustments.

8. What to Do If Arrears or Late Fees Look Wrong

If, after checking your own records, you still believe the arrears or late fees are incorrect, you can take the following general steps:

  1. Collect Documents
    • Latest bill showing the arrears or surcharge
    • Previous bills for comparison
    • All relevant payment proofs (bank slips, app screenshots, SMS)
  2. Contact MEPCO Through Official Channels
    • Call the official helpline listed on your bill
    • Or visit your local MEPCO office / customer service center

    Explain that you believe there is an error in arrears or late payment charges and provide your reference number and payment details.

  3. Register a Formal Complaint
    • Ask staff to register a billing complaint and give you a complaint number or receipt.
    • Keep this number for follow‑up.
  4. Follow Up Until the Case Is Resolved
    • Check your next bill to see if the issue has been corrected or adjusted.
    • If not, return to the office with your complaint number and documents.

For more detailed step‑by‑step help, your site can link internally to specific articles such as:

  • A guide on common MEPCO bill errors and corrections
  • A guide on how to register a MEPCO billing or meter complaint

9. Important Notes and Disclaimer

  • This page does not provide official tariff formulas or legal advice.
  • Arrears, adjustments and late fees are governed by MEPCO, NEPRA and relevant government regulations, which may be updated at any time.
  • Always confirm sensitive details such as exact amounts, policies and deadlines through:
    • Official MEPCO website
    • MEPCO customer service or local office
    • Information printed directly on your bill

Understanding how arrears, adjustments and late fees work will help you:

  • Read your MEPCO bill more confidently
  • Catch possible mistakes early
  • Communicate more clearly with MEPCO staff when you need support

Use this guide as a starting point, and rely on official sources for final, up‑to‑date information about your specific connection.