VEHARI, June 28: Scores of people have complained that their electricity meters are running 30 to 40 per cent fast after replacement. Reports said the Mepco had launched a campaign to replace black meters with PC meters in Vehari circle free of cost and completed 70 per cent task.

People think that the PC meters record even the lowest usage of electricity.

A consumer, Abdul Jabbar of 9-11/WB area, said his electricity bill had almost doubled after his old black meter was replaced with the new white one.

“Earlier I was paying around Rs1,500 per month in summer but after replacement, my bill increased to Rs2,500.”

A shopkeeper, Muhammad Javed, said his power bill increased by 40 to 50 per cent after the installation of the PC meter.

On the other hand, people of Karampur, Dokotta, Jalla Jeam, Tibba Sultanpur, Machiwal and Pipli Adda have complained of 10 to 15-hour unscheduled power shutdown.

When contacted Vehari circle XEN Liaquat Ali said the old black meters had not been manufactured according to the international standard and were exposed to dust and dampness after rain which had slowed them with the passage of time.

“The PC meters are totally covered and their disc is made of a mixture of metallic and jewel components to keep it moving accurately.”

The XEN said the disc of the old black meters was made of a jewel bearing which became inaccurate after some time.

Denying overbilling, he said the scheduled shutdown was being done to maintain the distribution system and provide smooth electricity supply to consumers.