KARACHI: K-Electric (KE) has decided to suspend physical meter reading in the interest of the safety of its employees and that of its customers.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the power utility said that the KE bills to its residential and commercial customers would be calculated on their average number of units consumed in line with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) guidelines for circumstances where physical meter reading is not possible.

He said the KE had also decided to extend the due date for bills below Rs4,000 to April 10, 2020. “Since bill-delivery activities may also be impacted by the current situation, customers can conveniently visit the KE website at https://www.ke.com.pk to see their payable bill amount or download duplicate bills,” he added.

The spokesperson said that customers could also receive their bill via SMS by typing ‘BILL’ space ‘13 digit account number” and sending the SMS to 8119.

He said that to comply with Covid-19 restrictions customers were advised to avoid physically visiting banks for bill payments. To facilitate customers, the KE has ensured the availability of alternative payment portals, including mobile banking, Easypaisa, JazzCash or ATMs.

“While a number of banks have agreed to provide a deposit slip option in the absence of a physical bill, customers must mention their 13-digit account number on the deposit slip as well as payable amount. This service can be availed at Askari Bank Limited, Bank Al Habib Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited, Faysal Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Habib Metro Bank Limited, Meezan Bank Limited and MCB Bank Limited. A complete list of e-payment solutions is also available at the KE website,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2020