Power theft in Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) has reportedly led to a staggering loss of Rs 438 billion to the national treasury.
According to sources, these losses have soared to over Rs 438 billion out of the total annual billing of Rs 723 billion. The power division has identified the power supplying companies in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Peshawar, Quetta, and Tribal areas as the worst-performing DISCOs.
On April 7, the Punjab Energy Department accused power distribution companies of overcharging government institutions, labeling it as a burden on the provincial exchequer.
The energy department pointed out that companies like Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) are overcharging government departments.
There are over 102,000 electric connections at government departments across the province. “In the financial year 2022-23, provincial departments consumed electricity worth over Rs 1.91 billion but had to pay Rs 76 billion,” it added.
It is noteworthy that the federal government approved the deputation of Federal Investigation Officers (FIA) officers to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to combat power theft.
This step was taken to curb power theft and boost recoveries, responding to demands from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to sources.
A letter has been sent to the Power Division regarding the deputation of FIA officers in five DISCOs, including Islamabad Electric Supply Company, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Tribal Areas, and Quetta Electric Supply Companies.
It’s important to mention that FIA officers are already stationed in Peshawar, Sukkur, and Hyderabad Electric Supply Companies.
