GEPCO intensifies crackdown on electricity theft: 64 offenders apprehended

GUJRANWALA: The Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) has intensified its campaign against electricity theft and defaulters across the region, according to a statement from a GEPCO spokesperson on Sunday.

During a briefing to the media, the spokesperson disclosed that GEPCO’s surveillance teams had successfully apprehended 64 individuals involved in electricity theft through various operations.

In addition to the arrests, fines totaling more than Rs 3.5 million have been levied on those found guilty of stealing electricity. The spokesperson further stated that formal petitions have been lodged with local police stations to initiate legal proceedings against these electricity thieves.

Crackdown targets power pilferers, including politicians

In accordance with the Ministry of Energy’s directives, an operation has also commenced against those involved in electricity theft. Cases have been filed in various cities against notable people including former assembly members, politicians, influential figures, and others.

Electricity distribution companies across the country are running operations to combat electricity theft, including significant personnel changes.

Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has reshuffled 270 officers, while Faisalabad Electricity Supply Company (FESCO) has replaced 230 officers. In Lahore, a district enforcement committee has been established under the deputy commissioner to address electricity theft. In Karachi, K-Electric has reported conducting over 14,000 operations against power theft this year.

More than a hundred illegal electricity connections were cut off in the federal capital as well.