Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) has directed all distribution companies across the country to expedite recovery of rupees 117.3 billion arrears from defaulters on top priority so that the financial health of the utility could be stabilised.
Talking to APP here Sunday, Pepco Chief Tahir Basharat Cheema said that "Pepco has to realise outstanding of Rs 45.3 billion from KESC, Rs 27 billion from different provincial government departments, Rs 6 billion from various federal government departments and Rs 39 billion from private sector".
He said that Chief Executives of all distribution companies throughout the country have been given clear targets for recovery of arrears within stipulated period besides plugging of power pilferage and added that the overall performance of all Discos down to the level of SDOs is being monitored on weekly basis through computerised network.
He said that the government was fully focused on the energy sector, adding that on one hand, measures are being taken to enhance the existing generation capacity on war footings, while on the other hand efforts are being made to keep the electricity tariffs within affordable limits for the masses. He said that the government has been paying huge subsidies despite financial crunch.
When contacted Chief Executive, Lesco, Muhammad Azhar Iqbal told APP here on Sunday that all SEs, Xens and SDOs posted at Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Lahore and Nankana Sahib districts have been directed to intensify the recovery campaign and constitute raiding team one each at sub division, division and circle level to check the power theft with iron hand. The unscrupulous elements indulged in energy stealing should not be spared at any cost and never succumb to any sort of pressure. He said that: "we have already served final notices to all defaulters of government departments asking them to make payment otherwise face disconnection".