Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has requested the federal government for making electricity theft a non-bailable offence, like many other countries of the world. This was stated by Naveed Ismail, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KESC, while addressing a media briefing here on Saturday at the company''s head office. He said that KESC had requested the federal government to amendment the Electricity Act 1910 so as to make the electricity theft a non-bailable offence.
He said the utility would announce the names of those stealing electricity every week and criminal cases would be registered against them. He said that at least 37 cases had been registered against those involved in electricity theft and seven persons had been arrested. According to a survey, he said, electricity theft is common among the well-off, rich and influential users as compare to the consumers of slums and Katchi Abadies.
The CEO informed that the utility had launched a full-fledged campaign against electricity theft under the theme of "Name & Shame," stating that the consumers would need to support the utility in the drive if they wanted an end to the load shedding and power outages.
The KESC needed cash return of the electricity that it supplied, not only for investment in future''s plans but also to contribute towards the country''s economy by ensuring uninterrupted power supply to its domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural consumers, he added. Explaining the detail of the "Name & Shame" drive, Ismail said that theft of electricity was the core issue being faced by KESC.
"Kunda is only one facet. The central issue being faced is organised and systematic theft by those individuals, organisations and institutions, who knew their obligations to society, could afford to pay, but just don''t do," he added.
He said that raids would be conducted on power stealers, whether they are big or small and whether common or influential with the help of KESC''s police as well as city police and Rangers personnel. He said that the KESC''s management had invested $35 million in the system to lessen load shedding in the summer. On the occasion Jan Abbas Zaidi, Chief Operating Officer Distribution, said besides 37 cases, Challan of 18 cases had been prepared while remaining 19 cases were in process.
Naming seven high profile cases, he named City Hospital, DMCHS, which allegedly stole power worth Rs 3,856,321; Le''Cole School, DHA, Rs 6,090,067; Hilltop Hotel PECHS, Rs 4,340,313; Askari Park near Old Sabzi Mandi, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rs 1,700,000; Shoe Factory in PIB Colony, Rs 1,000,000; Plastic Factory, Gulistan-e-Johar Block No 4, Rs 900,000; and Abid Masood Ice Factory, Korangi, Rs 2,000,000 with Rs 500,000 monthly theft.