A resident of Aktau achieved a recalculation of drinking water charges and a large fine for MAEK LLP after discovering an error in the billing. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The incident
A resident of the 5th microdistrict noticed that due to a temporarily non-working meter, the company calculated the water charge according to the standard rather than the average consumption volume. As a result, the amount on the receipt was higher than it should have been.
Resident's action
The man disagreed with the charges and filed a complaint through the e-Otinish platform to the Department of the Committee for Regulation of Natural Monopolies of the Mangystau Region.
Inspection results
After the complaint, the authority conducted an unscheduled inspection of MAEK LLP. Specialists confirmed the violation and found that the consumer was unjustifiably presented with additional amounts to pay.
Measures
Based on the inspection results, the company was obliged to recalculate the applicant's charges. In addition, MAEK was brought to administrative liability under Part 4 of Article 164 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan for violating the legislation on natural monopolies.
Fine amount
The fine amounted to 3.46 million tenge. However, the company paid it within a week and took advantage of the 50% discount provided by law. As a result, MAEK actually paid 1.73 million tenge.
Previous events
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the government of Kazakhstan allocated 4.9 billion tenge for the repair of MAEK.