QESCO fined Rs10m for deaths

15 people lost their lives because of electrocution between July 2019 and June 2022

ISLAMABAD:

 

The National Electric Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a fine of Rs10 million on the Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco) in connection with the deaths of citizens due to electrocution. 

According to Nepra sources, 15 people lost their lives because of electrocution between July 2019 and June 2021. The power regulator had formed a two-member committee to investigate the deaths.

The body, in its report, held Qesco responsible for 14 of the deaths.

A show-cause notice was issued to Qesco under the Nepra Act and the power firm was also given an opportunity to explain itself.
According to the power regulator, Qesco had failed to fulfil its legal obligations to uphold the code of conduct and safety standards.
As per the directives, Qesco would have to share its compensatory steps with Nepra.

In May this year, the authority had imposed a fine of Rs65 million on Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) for the charges of negligence resulting in the deaths of 39 people during the period from July 2019 to June 2021 in the company’s service area.

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In its decision, Nepra had further directed IESCO to compensate the families of each of the deceased with an amount of Rs3.5 million each - compensated to the families of the deceased employees. NEPRA has imposed a fine of Rs65 million on Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) for the charges of negligence resulting in fatal incidents. 

In October last year, Nepra had imposed a fine of Rs31 million on the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) over the deaths of citizens due to electrocution in the second largest city of Sindh.

A statement issued by Nepra read that the fine had been imposed over Hesco’s negligence that led to casualties from July 2019 till October 2020.

It added that 15 people died of electrocution during this period.

“A three-member committee was formed to investigate cases of electrocution, and Hesco was found guilty of negligence in 12 of [the] 15 cases,” read the statement. 

Five Hesco employees and seven citizens were killed due to the power company's negligence, it added. 

Later that month, the power regulator had imposed a fine of Rs2 million on K-Electric. This penalty was imposed for non-compliance of performance standards, particularly failure to restore power supply within the prescribed timeframe and to ensure the safety of the residents of the country’s commercial hub.