Power Theft Arrests Slow Down, Impeding Fine Recovery
The progress in arresting power thieves has been slow, hindering the recovery of fines imposed on them. This has raised concerns over the effective implementation of measures against power pilferage across the country. Power distribution companies (Discos) in Punjab, however, have been proactive in conducting raids, registering cases, and recovering fines.
While most aspects of the anti-power theft operations are going well, the lack of arrests is impeding the retrieval of fines imposed in the form of detected bills and charged units. An anonymous official highlighted that influential individuals, including Discos’ field officials, lawyers, and officers, are allegedly supporting those involved in electricity theft.
According to a document obtained by Dawn, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) tops the list with the detection of 6,954 power theft cases in the Lahore district, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib between September 7 and 22. Out of these cases, the police have registered 5,821 First Information Reports (FIRs), but only 470 arrests have been made so far. The theft cases involve over 16.4 million units valued at Rs716.8 million, with a meager recovery of only around Rs111 million.
Similarly, the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) detected 858 power theft cases, resulting in 803 FIRs being registered. Shockingly, only 43 people have been arrested to date out of the charged 2 million units worth Rs74.4 million, with a recovery of Rs41 million.
The Faisalabad Electric Power Company (Fesco) discovered 1,608 power theft cases, leading to the registration of 1,462 FIRs. However, only 294 individuals have been apprehended. Around 4.4 million units worth Rs195 million were charged, but a mere Rs58 million was recovered.
Additionally, the Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) detected 3,974 power theft cases, resulting in 3,879 FIRs. Although 617 arrests were made, the recovery only amounted to Rs82 million out of the charged Rs294 million for 7 million units.
Due to the slow progress in arrests and resistance faced by teams in certain hotspots, the government might consider involving law enforcement agencies other than the police in the near future, according to the official.
Efforts to combat power theft are crucial to ensure fair electricity distribution and prevent financial losses for power distribution companies. It is essential to apprehend all those involved in electricity theft and enforce penalties to deter others from engaging in this illegal activity. The government must address the hindrances faced in capturing power pilferers and expedite the recovery of fines to maintain the integrity of the power sector.
