Power theft abettors to face FIA’s wrath

ISLAMABAD:

It has been decided to seek the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s action against the large-scale facilitation of electricity theft by the employees of power distribution companies (Discos).

The Ministry of Energy has decided to further tighten the noose around the Discos’ employees who facilitate theft and the kunda system and has reached out to the FIA for help in putting an end to the theft and taking action against such employees. Three Discos have been selected for operation clean-up against the staff involved in power theft.

Also read: Power companies crack down on electricity theft

To pursue action against the employees responsible for the theft of energy in Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), the Ministry of Energy has written to the FIA director general and requested assistance.

The letter claims that an urgent inquiry into employee involvement in energy theft in three Discos must be conducted. A special team led by a deputy director should be formed by the FIA to help the Discos in combating power theft, it said.

Notably, the government has effectively combated power theft by recovering more than Rs18 billion to date.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2023.