On September 28, 2014, Minister for Water and Power, Khawaja Asif criticised PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Quesrhi for installing more than one meter at each residence which, according to him, is a violation of rules. The sources said more than 27 per cent premises in the country have more than one meter and prevalent rules do not prohibit anybody in this regard. For instance, if one house (estate) has two premises, one is used by the owner and the other a legitimate portion on rent, the owner can have more than one meter.
Likewise, in big houses, separate metes are installed for house, tube-well and servant quarters. Even if a person has a five-marla house, it will be an estate like a person has a 960-kanal estate. However, if the owner of a house resides on the premises, then more than one connection is allowed.
According to sources, Jati Umra - the residence of Prime Minister has 43 meters for which two feeders of 11 KV were installed and the bill was not paid by the customer, ie, the owners of the estate. Answering a question, the sources said any consumer can use five or six air conditioners alternatively on a three-phase meter if a cable of good quality is used in wiring. Though PTI Chairman burnt his electricity bill while delivering his nightly speech outside his container in D chowk and asked people to do the same, he himself cleared his Bani Gala residential electricity bill while claiming that the Zaman Park, Lahore, bill was cleared by his brother-in-law who is resident there.
In reply to another question, the sources said most of the people are paying their electrify bills across Pakistan to ensure the supply of electricity. A failure to clear bills leads to disconnection and reconnecting to the national grid is time-consuming and costly which may be the reason why Khan''s supporters as well as other disgruntled over-billed energy consumers are unlikely to heed his call.
The Secretary Water and Power, Nargis Sethi, and spokesman for the Ministry of Water and Power, cannot be reached for their comments. Meanwhile, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has issued notice to PTI Chairman Imran Khan against installation of more than one meter at his residence Imran Khan has also been asked to deposit bills within ten days to avoid disconnection.