Why Is My FESCO Electricity Bill Too High? Troubleshooting Guide
Received an unusually high electricity bill? This guide helps you identify causes, check meter accuracy, and file complaints with FESCO.
Common causes: meter fault, electricity theft from your line, high-consumption appliance, or billing error. First check meter reading matches bill. If incorrect, file complaint at FESCO subdivision office.
Estimated Time: 15-30 days for complaint resolution
Estimated Cost: Free (meter testing), Pay disputed amount after resolution
- Last 3-6 electricity bills
- Photos of current meter reading
- CNIC of account holder
- Evidence of theft if applicable
- Appliance list with wattage
Step-by-Step Guide
Check the reading on your meter and compare with 'Present Reading' on bill. Note down current reading. If bill shows higher reading than actual meter, it's a billing error.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your meter reading with date visible for evidence.
List all appliances and their wattage. AC: 1000-2000W. Refrigerator: 100-400W. Fan: 75W. Lights: 10-100W each. Calculate total daily hours of use. Compare with billed units.
Inspect your main line from pole to meter. Look for unauthorized connections, extra wires, or tampered seals on meter. If found, report to FESCO - you're paying for stolen electricity.
Pro Tip: Electricity theft from your line makes YOU pay for neighbors' usage. Report immediately.
Old refrigerators, ACs with dirty filters, and faulty water heaters consume 2-3x normal power. Check if any appliance runs continuously. Turn off appliances one by one to identify culprit.
Turn off all appliances and check if meter is still running. If meter moves with everything off, there's a fault or theft. Note this and report to FESCO.
Visit FESCO subdivision office with: last 3 bills, meter photos, CNIC. Fill complaint form requesting: meter testing, bill audit, or theft investigation. Get complaint number.
FESCO will test your meter within 15 days. If faulty, they replace it and adjust bills. If correct, you receive test report. You can appeal to XEN if unsatisfied.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Paying the disputed bill immediately
Pay previous month's amount to avoid disconnection. Dispute current bill officially. Balance adjusted after resolution.
Not keeping previous bills
Keep last 12 months' bills. Consumption pattern helps prove your case.
Blaming the meter without checking appliances
90% of high bills are due to faulty/old appliances, not meters. Check appliances first.
Tampering with meter yourself
Meter tampering is a criminal offense. Always get FESCO to check/repair meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.5 ton AC running 8 hours daily uses 400-500 units/month. This alone costs Rs. 8,000-15,000 depending on tariff slab.
Yes. Submit application at subdivision office. If meter is old (10+ years) or malfunctioning, FESCO replaces free. For voluntary upgrade to digital, small fee applies.
Escalate to: (1) XEN office (2) SE office (3) FESCO CEO (4) NEPRA complaint portal at nepra.org.pk
Fixed charges are minimal (Rs. 75-500/month). High bills are primarily from unit consumption, not fixed charges.
Important Contacts
FESCO Helpline
118
24/7
FESCO Sargodha City SDO
048-3724590
8 AM - 4 PM
NEPRA Complaints
051-9206500
9 AM - 5 PM