MEPCO has recently initiated an effective and comprehensive drive in several areas to apprehend those involved in electricity theft and manage energy wastage. The said operation is currently being implemented to arrest those involved in electricity theft within the Sindh province by MEPCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Jam Gul Muhammad Zahid, with the assistance of Rangers and local police. The aim is to ensure that whoever is involved in electricity theft, regardless of whether they are affluent, is arrested.
Overcoming the Power Theft Crisis
The operation, spanning across DG Khan Circle, Multan Circle, and other areas, aims to tackle a growing concern: corruption such as: With such characteristics, it is not difficult to identify the biggest social evils threatening this country, such as: In view of growing energy needs and stressed-out power systems, there has been increasing prevalence of electricity theft in Pakistan. Not only does it lead to losses of power companies, but it also excludes the paying customers from receiving electricity.
Quick Movement in DG Khan Circle
In DG Khan Circle, Supervisory Engineer Operations Khurshid Ahmed conducted many operations in some localities, including Shahzad Colony, Buzdar Colony, and Basti Ariend. In these operations, 53 people were convicted of using ilegal DCs for theft of electricity. By the power of Rangers and the police, teams of MEPCO quickly snatched wires, took meters, and lodged FIRs for legal action. Taking such a decision can be regarded as proving the existence of the problem and measures being taken to stop electricity theft.
Multan Circle Takes Charge
Similar operations have been launched in Multan Circle by the SE Amjad Nawaz Bhatti, and the raids have also been conducted in Basti Jhok Bakha. Supervised by SDO Ikram Sial, the teams examined several connections, which exposed increased forms of alteration. Among the respondents, one such case was of Yaseen, son of Allah Wasaya, who had paid charges regarding account number 05-15138-0558414 on which the electricity meter has been supposed to be reversed for more than one year. His was switched off by manipulating its dials and was able to get a reading of zero units for one year, including months when he installed a new connection.
Jalalpur Pirwala
In Jalalpur Pirwala, the same but a different form of electricity theft was found, although that was a serious issue as well. One direct link was established at an agricultural tube well of their water supply registered under account number 29-15164-0086106 from Mir Sajjad Nazir. This direct line rendered it possible to supply and steal a lot of current for farming purposes without having to pass through the meter. The power blackouts not only put pressure on the supply side but they also cause high costs for electricity to be charged on innocent consumers.
Khanewal Circle
The operations of the Khanewal Circle, supervised by Superintending Engineer Sajid Hussain Gondal, was aimed at the defaulters in the agriculture business. This crackdown targets the heavy users, most of whom are in arrears to the company. The most prime example is what happened in the Chak 4/H connection, who was connected to Account No. 29-15912-0967115 Liaqat Ali, and the connection was disconnected due to an outstanding of Rs. 3. 972 million. The other defaulter, identified as Muhammad Aslam of Chak 2/H, defaulted an amount of Rs. 1. 525 million; all his electricity facilities, such as the meters, transformers, and wires, were pulled out.
Sahiwal Circle
In Sahiwal Circle, Superintending Engineer Azmat Ali Khan also ordered several raid operations on those people who were involved in meter manipulation or direct connection for electricity theft. Two of such culprits were apprehended in Chak 129/9-L, while others were found in Chak 130/9-L, thereby revealing that power theft remained rampant in the area.
The Clampdown RYK Circle
Last but not least, in Rahim Yar Khan Circle, SE/Ms Rafiq Kanwal spearheaded the initiatives for some localities such as Rehman Colony, Basti Malkan, and Basti Hashim Alvi. For instance, here five persons were arrested and found to be using direct connections for power pilferage. Just like in other sectors, the wires and meters were pulled out, & cases reported to the police for legal actions against such individuals.
Defending the Nation from Power Theft
These issues form part of the national crusade to fight electricity theft and to ensure that MEPCO and other consumers are fairly served. Apart from the loss of sales revenue, power theft is known to have devastating effects on the economy of the country since other law-abiding consumers end up bearing the brunt of the inflated electricity tariffs as a result of theft.
The operations involved are therefore in support of its efforts to cut down on losses, to gather on the outstanding dues, and to continue offering reliable power with a feel of fairness to all its consumers. These efforts will go on, and the authorities have reassured the people that the fight against power piracy will intensify along with the fight against those involved in power theft.
FAQs
Q1. What is the rationale for MEPCO’s recent operations?
A1. Thus, through a series of operations in several regions, MEPCO wants to minimise losses due to electricity theft and accidents, as well as recover the unpaid bills.
Q2. Who are the main targets of MEPCO power theft?
A2. The areas that MEPCO has focused on during its operations include DG Khan Circle, Multan Circle, Khanewal Circle, as well as Rahim Yar Khan Circle.
Q3. How is power theft carried out?
A3. Some of the major methods used to steal electricity include direct connectivity and compromised meters, which make it easy for someone to be underbilled.
Q4. What are the consequences of theft of electricity?
A4. Those who access electricity without using the meters will be prosecuted and their meters and wires disconnected, and there will be a legal arrest.
Q5. What is the impact of electricity theft on other consumers?
A5. Electricity theft makes it costly to other consumers who pay their bills and results in power rationing.
