Electricity Theft
The Punjab government, in its crackdown on electricity theft, has formed three committees to monitor and take strict action against offenders.
The provincial-level committee will be chaired by the energy department secretary, with members including the joint secretary of the Power Division, industries secretary, special secretary of the home department, additional prosecution secretary, Punjab additional inspector general of police (operations), LESCO chief executive officer, and CEOs of FESCO, GEPCO, MEPCO, and IESCO.
These committees will oversee the campaign against electricity theft, identify commercial consumers involved in theft, and take appropriate action.
The district enforcement committees, led by the respective deputy commissioners, will include the district police officer and a Special Branch officer as members.
Additionally, the divisional implementation committees, headed by the divisional commissioners, will consist of the regional police officer, a Special Branch officer, and a representative from the relevant electricity company.
Furthermore, the Punjab chief secretary issued a notification regarding the formation of these committees. Meanwhile, in recent efforts to combat electricity theft, GEPCO apprehended 43 offenders, imposed fines totaling Rs2.3 million, and registered cases against them.
FESCO also levied fines exceeding Rs4.5 million on 57 individuals involved in power theft. Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali noted ongoing discussions to address electricity price issues and anticipated a decision on relief in electricity bills by Monday.
