Power Theft
ISLAMABAD: On Friday, the federal government officially reached out to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government, seeking its cooperation in a significant anti-power theft initiative focused within the operational realms of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and the Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO).
This request was conveyed through a detailed letter from Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari to KPK Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address the issues of power pilferage, losses, and recovery in these regions.
Minister Leghari in his communication stressed the importance of setting up a meeting with CM Gandapur to devise a holistic strategy that would tackle these challenges effectively.
He pointed out that PESCO and TESCO, both operating under the jurisdiction of KPK, were among the lower-performing Distribution Companies (DISCOs) contributing significantly to the burgeoning problem of circular debt.
Highlighting the financial repercussions of these inefficiencies, Leghari noted that the anticipated combined losses for the current financial year for PESCO and TESCO were around Rs 188 billion.
This staggering figure includes losses due to under-recovery and those exceeding the thresholds set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
The minister identified several critical high-loss areas within PESCO, including D.I. Khan, Bannu, Karak, Kohat, Shangla, and the ex-FR regions. He also shed light on the challenges faced by TESCO, particularly in the former tribal areas, where issues like non-recovery and non-meterization are prevalent, projecting a potential loss of Rs 51 billion for the year.
To combat these pressing issues, the federal government has initiated a nationwide anti-theft campaign. However, Minister Leghari lamented the lack of whole-hearted support from the provincial government and its authorities in KPK, which is crucial for the success of this initiative.
The minister’s letter also outlined two potential resolutions to the problems in TESCO’s operational areas: either the KP government could prepare a comprehensive plan to aid TESCO in its recovery and meterization efforts or take over the power supply responsibilities in the TESCO region entirely.
Moreover, Leghari mentioned that the Prime Minister had recently formed a committee led by the Defence Minister to facilitate consultative interactions with the KPK Government and other stakeholders.
This committee is set to begin its deliberations soon and plans to visit the KPK province to finalize a sustainable plan of action.
Through his letter, Minister Leghari earnestly sought the special interest of CM Gandapur to ensure the availability of police support for PESCO, thus aiding in the effective implementation of the anti-theft campaign across the province.
The federal government’s push for provincial involvement is seen as a critical step towards eradicating the widespread issue of power theft and improving the efficiency and financial health of the utility sector in the region.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
