KP Govt, PESCO Intensify Operations Against Power Stealers, Recovers Rs102.28m From Defaulters

PESHAWAR Jan 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jan, 2019 ) :Khyber Pakthunkhwa Govt and PESCO expedited operation against power stealers across the province and recovered Rs102.2855 million outstanding amount from defaulters during last two months.

The KP Energy Operation Cell's spokesman told APP on Sunday that operation against power stealers were expedited in all districts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa where during last two months Rs102.2855 million outstanding amount pending against different departments, organizations and consumers was recovered.

The spokesman said 546 FIRs were registered against power stealers whereas 360 accused were arrested red handed. Similarly, 4453 direct hocks and equipments worth Rs120.78 million against arrears were removed.

In line with Federal Govt's directives, KP Govt has established a well-equipped Reporting Centre at Energy and Power Department for an effective supervision and monitoring of the province-wise anti power theft campaign.

The spokesman said operation was being conducted across the board against all those elements involved in electricity stealing through direct hocks, tempering of meters, damaging transmission lines, electricity equipments and transformers.

The spokesman said strict action is also being taken against stealing electricity from industrial, commercial or high-end domestic connections and defaulters. "The culprits would not only be sent to jails but heavy fine would be imposed against them," he reiterated.

"The prime task of the centre is to coordinate with all Deputy Commissioners (DC) for monitoring and supervision of the campaign and receive statement of daily progress," he said, adding the centre also compiles all such reports and share data with the federal government, PEPCO, offices of the chief minister and Chief Secretary KP.

The Centre also prepares weekly analysis report of the campaign besides assisting members of provincial task force on energy and coordinating with their counterparts at PESCO headquarters.

The spokesman said a task force had been set up at provincial level whereas committees were formed in divisions and districts to curb power pilferage.

He said power theft was a social problem as it was not confined to a single province, district, tehsil or any specific area besides undermined development and progress of a country.

"Power stealers deprive law abiding people of their basic right and residents should come forward by informing WAPDA, PESCO and police so that prompt action against power thieves could be taken." "Powers stealers should be boycott socially as they are misusing the electricity's resources for monitoring gains and depriving all those people of their right who pay electricity bills regularly," he noted.

"Power stealers needs to be exposed before public as due to their negative role, masses are confronted to menace of long hours load-shedding and low-voltage that often damages precious electric appliances of poor people due to fluctuations." The spokesman urged people to contact the centre for any complaint and suggestions on phone number 091-9223635 or email address [email protected].

He urged people and officials to ensure full support to district administration and police for success of ongoing national drive.

The Spokesman also sought active support of media, academicians, LG representatives and religious scholars to create awareness against menace of power theft and strengthening hands of PESCO and Wapda to ensure smooth transmission of electricity to domestic and industrial consumers without any hindrance.