Electricity Disconnection and Reconnection: Rules, Notice and Fees

The short answer

Missing one month's bill does not get your electricity cut. If the first bill is still unpaid, the second bill carries a seven-day notice, and the supply can be disconnected after that bill's due date. After a third unpaid bill the meter can be removed. To reconnect, you pay the dues (in full or in approved installments). The reconnection fee applies only if the meter and material were actually removed.

When the supply can be cut

1. 1

   Month 1 unpaid

   No disconnection. A connection is not cut for default on one month's bill, and not for the current month's bill if there are no older dues (CSM 8.2.1, 8.2.3).

2. 2

   Month 2: notice

   The second bill carries a clear seven-day notice to pay the arrears with it or face disconnection. The notice may be printed or stamped on the bill (CSM 8.2.2).

3. 3

   After month 2's due date: disconnection

   If nothing is paid, the supply is disconnected and restored only on full payment with surcharge, or on installments the company allows (CSM 8.2.4).

4. 4

   Month 3 unpaid: meter removed

   If the third bill and the two months' arrears are not paid by its due date, the company issues an Equipment Removal Order, removes the meter and marks the connection permanently disconnected (CSM 8.2.5).

What reconnection costs

• Clear the outstanding dues, or the part payment the company allows (CSM 8.5.1).
• Minimum / fixed charges for the disconnected period: for single-phase residential and commercial connections, Rs 200 only, for any period (CSM 8.5.2).
• A reconnection fee based on arrears (table below), but only if the supply was permanently disconnected and material was actually removed from site.
• Security deposit: nothing extra if you were disconnected under 365 days and your deposit was not used against the arrears (CSM 8.6).

A disconnected premises can be reconnected on application for up to ten years. Between three and ten years you may choose a new connection instead, paying only the old dues, with no fixed charges or reconnection fee for the gap. After ten years a new connection is required (CSM 8.5, 8.7).

These rules come from NEPRA's Consumer Service Manual for the ex-WAPDA companies (LESCO, IESCO, FESCO, GEPCO, MEPCO, PESCO, HESCO, SEPCO, QESCO, TESCO, HAZECO). K-Electric works under its own NEPRA-approved manual, which follows the same principles but can differ in fees and details.

Questions