Data show Pakistan dealing with absurd levels of electricity theft

ISLAMABAD: Startling revelations have emerged regarding the extent of electricity theft plaguing Pakistan. In a week-long crackdown, authorities uncovered a staggering eight million units of power theft, leading to the apprehension of 194 individuals and the imposition of a hefty fine amounting to Rs 352 million. These findings, disclosed by high-ranking sources within the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), shed light on a pervasive issue gripping the nation.

National Clampdown and Regional Disparities

The crackdown has not been confined to a single locale. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts across the country, while distinct regional disparities in power theft detection and recovery efforts are surfacing.

Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) stand out as the frontrunners among distribution companies (DISCOs) in terms of combating power theft. Between September 7 and 11, LESCO initiated 1,159 cases, unveiling theft amounting to nearly 3.8 million units, with an approximate value of Rs. 162 million. Remarkably, they have managed to recover Rs 10 million of the stolen funds.

MEPCO closely follows suit, filing 1,317 First Information Reports (FIRs) regarding the pilferage of 1.9 million units valued at Rs 80.3 million. Their efforts have led to a recovery of Rs 8.2 million.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad and Quetta DISCOs have identified thefts of 889,000 and 357,000 units of electricity, with potential revenues of Rs 23 million and Rs 18.4 million, respectively. To date, they have managed to recover Rs 937,000 and Rs 1.13 million.

Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has made headway in its endeavor to curb power theft, recovering Rs 2.25 million out of identified losses totaling Rs 9.8 million. They have lodged 296 cases against theft of 169,000 units of electricity.

Regional Overview

Punjab: DISCOs in Punjab have unearthed a total theft of 1.9 million units, translating to losses exceeding Rs 80 million. Nevertheless, the recovery rate hovers at around 10 percent, with Rs 8.25 million recouped thus far.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): KP reports similar losses of 1.9 million units, causing a financial setback of Rs 71.7 million. Unfortunately, the recovery rate in KP falls below 8 percent, with an approximate sum of Rs 5.68 million recovered.

The authorities concerned have recently intensified their efforts to clampdown on electricity theft. This is expected to not only safeguard the nation’s power resources but also reduce the burden of payments on consumers.