The Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has intensified its action against electricity pilferage and those who have outstanding dues in South Punjab. In this regard, 117 people were nabbed in a single day, with 89 of them comprising of new cases besides hefty fines that were issued. Power theft is a big challenge to the electricity-generating companies and to MEPCO in particular, and due to this, the company has taken stern measures in their effort to fight the vice affecting their revenue. Information technology to fight electricity pilferage plays a very important role to the company and the national grid in a bid to fight the vice affecting their revenues.
MEPCO’s Latest Operations
On the 12th of September 2024, several circles that fell under MEPCO’s authority experienced massive work activity resulting in numerous arrests and fines. Here’s a closer look at the day’s actions:
- Multan Circle:
A total of 16 people were caught and each punished with Rs. 1.26 million, and all of the individuals were charged with criminal cases.
- Dera Ghazi Khan Circle:
4 electricity thefts were reported, and 4 consumers were fined Rs. 220,000.
- Vehari Circle:
Thirteen persons were fined Rs. 450,000; two FIRs were registered against the students.
- Bahawalpur Circle:
9 offenders received fines of Rs. 590,000, and nine legal cases were filed.
- Sahiwal Circle:
A substantial Rs. 2.84 million was recovered from 27 thieves who were arrested, along with 27 FIRs that were registered.
- Rahim Yar Khan Circle:
13 people have been penalized Rs. 440,000 differently and 13 cases have been registered.
- Muzaffargarh Circle:
Seven FIRs were registered and 15 people were fined Rs. 320000.
- Bahawalnagar Circle:
Also, 7 consumers got penalised amounting to Rs 370,000/each and all the consumers got legal consequences.
- Khanewal Circle:
A total of 13 thieves of electricity were fined Rs. 1.02 million and four cases were recorded but can be attributed to poor reporting or inadequate investigation.
Immediate Recovery from Defaulters
Besides the strict measures against electricity theft, the company succeeded in collecting Rs. 42 Million from running & dead bill defaulters. Conducted a focused operation for recovery of outstanding bills from the defaulters out of the total tube wells in Multan and Bahawalpur meant for agricultural purpose only. As a result, 10 defaulters were rendered without connections due to the inability to clear Rs. 2.38 million in past due receivables.
MEPCO and the Fight against Electricity Theft
This measurement taken by the Multan Electric Supply Company (MEPCO) to fight power theft are an essential part of the system’s strategy to address loss through the theft, loss through the line losses, and collection from the rightful consumers. The continuation of these crackdowns is expected to prevent future theft, increase public awareness of the issue, and contribute to support of the nation’s electric power system.
FAQs
Q1. What is the nature of operation of MEPCO today?
A1. MEPCO has initiated a massive operation to deal with electricity thieves and those who are in default in South Punjab.
Q2. How many cases were registered within a single day?
A2. In one day, 89 cases were filed against those who are involved in power theft.
Q3. What was the recovery from the defaulters?
A3. MEPCO collected an additional thirty-two million rupees from the running as well as dead defaulters.
Q4. Were any defaulters disconnected from service?
A4. Yes, 10 consumers were disconnected for not paying Rs. 2.38 million in unpaid subscriptions.
Q5. What are the penalties that are given to the electricity thieves?
A5. The fines also differ by circles; the total fines have even reached Rs. 7.52 million in one day.
