Mandi Bahauddin: A rigorous campaign against electricity theft is in full swing across Mandi Bahauddin, mirroring a nationwide effort to curb power pilferage and improve revenue collection. The Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) Circle in Mandi Bahauddin has reported significant successes over the past 12 months.
According to a report issued by the GEPCO Circle, a total of 1,174 electricity thieves were apprehended during the campaign. These individuals were collectively charged for 15.06 lakh (1.506 million) electricity units and fined a staggering Rs. 7.298 crore (72.98 million).
Shahzad Azam Mirza, SE GEPCO Circle Mandi Bahauddin, shared with PTV that the GEPCO Circle has achieved “remarkable successes” against electricity thieves over the last year. He highlighted the proactive approach of GEPCO’s field teams, who are conducting door-to-door checks of electricity meters across the district to completely eliminate electricity theft.
This local crackdown is part of a broader national initiative. The Ministry of Power has revealed that Discos (electricity distribution companies) burdened the national economy with Rs. 591 billion in losses during the fiscal year 2023-24, partly due to electricity theft and transmission/distribution losses. However, concerted anti-theft operations have led to significant recoveries nationwide, with billions of rupees recovered from power pilferers.
In December 2023, the President of Pakistan promulgated an ordinance that made electricity theft a cognizable offense, punishable by up to three years imprisonment, fines of up to three million rupees, and hefty detection bills. Power companies have been empowered to impose severe penalties and file criminal cases against those involved in power theft, including confiscation of equipment used for pilferage. This legislative backing has provided a stronger legal framework for the ongoing nationwide crackdown.
