The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has intensified its efforts to combat electricity theft in five districts: These are the districts of Punjab namely Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara. In a single day alone, LESCO has been able to spot 455 holders connected without the permission, a major achievement in power theft crusade.
Legal Measures on Power Theft
The anti-power theft of LESCO is conducted by the Federal Power Division in assistance with LESCO’s CEO, Engineer Shahid Haider, under which the unlawful activities that are impacting the power distribution network are controlled. According to LESCO official, the company has filed reports with the police through the FIR against the consumers who were involved in the electricity theft. Of these, 142 FIRs have been filed at the concerned police stations, which have also resulted in the apprehension of 18 persons who were involved in such unlawful activities.
Reject of Power Theft
LESCO’s CEO, Engineer Shahid Haider, has said that there can be no tolerance to electricity theft. He added that these operations will go on unabated with the aim of eradicating all types of power pilferage. The company is also taking legal action against the electricity thieves and also against the LESCO employees and officers who assist such crimes. This is an attempt to ensure everyone is brought to book as way of upholding the rule of law.
Local Large Commercial Consumers Also Targeted
Apart from residential theft, the ongoing campaign has exposed serious violations, especially among large commercial consumers. In the last one day, many big consumers were trapped lifting the electric supply without making payments. As per the procedure, all such connections found were disconnected, and detection units were billed to these consumers. The total number of detection units concerned was added to 522,376 units; altogether, the recovery bill was to Rs. 13.670 million.
Effects on the Power Supply Network
Electricity theft not only affects the financial position of a power distribution company like LESCO but also affects the power distribution network by causing frequent and unannounced power shutdowns or voltage fluctuations. These illegitimate connections exert a lot of strain on the power supply system, thereby prejudicing the legitimate consumers, who always ensure that they settle their bills as and when they are due.
Public Cooperation is Essential
Here LESCO has appealed to the public to support its measures for control of theft. Habulitwa kurasa y’abakire mu mashyakareshyanuye uyu munyarugo n’abitangoma bibonyebwe ne mashyakareshiyanwa n’ubutaka bwacyubutso. It also clears the company’s stand that the identity of people who will be providing information that can help fight cases of electricity theft will not be divulged; the informants will be rewarded for their support in the fight against cases of theft of electricity.
Strengthening Anti-Theft Measures
For this purpose, LESCO is using modern technology and tools to identify the unauthorized connections for the better success rate of the campaign. High-risk areas are also receiving routine inspections and audits; the company aims at eradicating any unlawful connections.
Power Theft: A Multifaceted Problem
In this regard, the legal actions, along with public awareness campaigns and an increase in surveillance that have been implemented in LESCO’s current fight against electricity theft, are a comprehensive strategy that has to be taken to ensure that the problem is eliminated. It helps to avoid circumstances when power would be supplied to illegitimate consumers for the sake of the rest.
Order: Ethical energy Consumption
Currently, there are many raids being conducted by LESCO to apprehend people who engage in unlawful use of electricity, and this is an illustration of the dangers of engaging in unlawful use of electricity. It is a call to right use of energy as well as a move towards making sure that electricity users are not discriminated against in the manner and usage is deemed right for all.
The Way Forward
In the next course of action, LESCO has no deviation from its mission of eradicating power theft. They went on investing in technological as well as legal measures that would assist in both detecting and punishing those guilty of stealing electricity.
FAQs
Q1. How then is LESCO combating the vice of electricity theft?
A1. Lahore Electric Supply Company is currently launching a crackdown to remove nabalagi connections, register FIRs, and collect fines to discourage theft of electricity in its jurisdiction.
Q2. Has LESCO detected any illegal connection?
A2. In its current anti-theft drive, LESCO has reportedly identified 455 theft cases in five districts, of which are Lahore and Sheikhupura.
Q3. What becomes of people who steal electricity?
A3. Consequences experienced by the violators include FIR charges, disconnection of any unauthorized connection, fines, and police arrest by the police and law enforcement agencies.
Q4. Is LESCO after both residential and commercial theft?
A4. Yes, LESCO is targeting both residential and large commercial customers who are involved in power theft, disconnection, and penalties.
Q5. What can the citizens do to help LESCO fight the theft?
A5. Consumers can make complaints to LESCO against activities that are unlawful or any unconstitutional acquaintances. The identity of the informants is protected, and they play an important role in the research.