- LHC dismisses petitions against equalisation surcharge, orders govt to receive surcharge debts in 12 instalments
The Lahore High Court (LHC) Wednesday dismissed around 675 petitions challenging the imposition of equalisation surcharge on electricity bills.
While hearing the petitions filed by industrial consumers including Flying Cement and other domestic consumers, LHC’s single bench comprising Justice Shujaat Ali Khan ordered the government to receive surcharge debts in 12 instalments from the petitioners, who had previously acquired stay order in the case.
Earlier on September 26, the court had reserved its verdict.
The petitioners’ counsel submitted that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) had imposed the equalisation surcharge of Rs 81 per KW on electricity bills and this imposition was beyond its authority, even if it had the power to determine electricity bills. They requested the court to set aside the surcharge as it was unlawful and imposed without NEPRA’s authority.
On the other hand, Additional Attorney General Naseer Bhutta contended that the federal government had power to impose surcharge and requested LHC to dismiss the petitions.
Water and Power Ministry’s counsel justified the surcharge and said it was imposed to lower electricity prices.
Lahore Electricity Supplying Company (LESCO)’s counsel said LHC could work towards eliminating any deficiency in law as witnessed in this case.
