The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy confirmed on Sunday that direct instructions have been issued to replace faulty electricity meters for citizens within a maximum of 72 hours.
The ministry also announced the standardization of connection fees across all distribution companies nationwide, alongside the option for customers to pay outstanding balances and arrears in installments.
The ministry emphasized the strict auditing of bills to ensure accurate billing based on actual usage months, without any overpayments, in accordance with presidential directives for direct and thorough oversight of electricity bills and facilitating payment of dues.
In an official statement, the ministry said that Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat held an extensive meeting with the heads of electricity distribution companies and commercial sector heads, in the presence of ministry and holding company officials, to review the auditing and reconciliation systems for consumption bills.
The minister emphasized enacting the complaints and grievances system alongside direct communication with citizens, stressing adherence to quality standards and the submission of weekly reports.
He also assured of the intensification of inspection and oversight committees for the billing and accounting system.
Review of mechanisms underway
The ministry explained in its statement that the meeting reviewed accounting and billing mechanisms and audit systems within each company.
The minister emphasized the provision of “emergency meters” for shift workers to install immediately upon receiving reports through the complaints system, along with the implementation of a unified installment plan to ease the burden on citizens.
According to the ministry statement, the Minister of Electricity also reviewed the plan to improve the performance of distribution companies, procedures for ensuring electricity supply, coordination with the National Control Center and the Crisis Center during peak periods, and unit maneuvers to guarantee a continuous power supply.
He emphasized that there will be no compromise on the citizen’s right to receive a decent and stable electricity service – one commensurate with the scale of development the sector is witnessing.
