To further regulate fee-charging practices by public utilities in water, electricity, gas, and heating supply and safeguard consumer rights, the Xinjiang Market Supervision Bureau has intensified inspections this year. The bureau has focused on metering and fee-related issues in these sectors, uncovering and penalizing multiple pricing violations. Below are six typical cases disclosed for public awareness and legal education.
**Case 1:** On July 4, 2025, the Urumqi County Market Supervision Bureau found that a property management company charged residents CNY 5.5 per cubic meter for water, exceeding the government-set rate. The company was ordered to refund CNY 7,632.18 to users and fined an equal amount.
**Case 2:** On July 8, 2025, the Shanshan County Market Supervision Bureau discovered a gas supplier charging low-income households CNY 1.46 per cubic meter instead of the mandated CNY 1.32. The company was fined CNY 5,000 and ordered to rectify the violation.
**Case 3:** On May 22, 2025, the Tacheng City Market Supervision Bureau penalized an energy company for failing to transfer decimal-place gas volumes from old meters to new ones during replacements, shortchanging consumers. A CNY 1,000 fine was imposed.
**Case 4:** On June 16, 2025, the Huocheng County Market Supervision Bureau found a water supply company collecting fees for metering devices despite a national ban. The company refunded CNY 28,979 to users and was fined CNY 2,898.
**Case 5:** On May 21, 2025, the Shule County Market Supervision Bureau identified a heating company charging non-residential rates to care facilities. The firm refunded CNY 22,236 and paid a CNY 44,472 fine (double the illegal gains).
**Case 6:** On June 4, 2025, the Turpan City Market Supervision Bureau penalized a property firm for overcharging water and sewage fees beyond government rates. The company was fined equivalent to its illegal profits.
These cases highlight strict enforcement of pricing laws to ensure fair utility charges.
Comments