Govt says burden of power theft will not be shifted to consumers

Mettis Global reported that a federal committee tasked with curbing inefficiencies and electricity theft across DISCOs has agreed to run a full technical audit covering every distribution company. The review aims to determine how widespread theft is, what drives it, and where it is concentrated, along with technical and commercial losses. The decision was reached at a session co-chaired by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema and Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.

Briefings were given to the committee by the Power Division, NEPRA, the IT ministry and the Pakistan Digital Authority on theft, losses and recoveries. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication will provide technological support and help facilitate the audit through a transparent, credible process. An expression of interest will be issued shortly to hire qualified technical experts, and the terms of reference are expected to be finalised next week.

Cheema said the audit must include a diagnostic review of the causes behind theft and losses and produce findings that can be acted upon. He stressed that consumers would not be made to bear the cost of theft or distribution inefficiencies, calling overbilling completely unacceptable. The co-chairs also warned that any DISCO concealing theft or losses through excessive billing would not be tolerated.