The government has decided to launch a crackdown and take severe action against electricity theft and those not paying their bills. The interim setup is under increasing pressure to provide relief against inflated power bills, leading to widespread protests across the country.
There have been public protests over higher electricity bills received in July. Initiated by the masses, the protests were soon joined by political parties and the business community, forcing the government to ponder over the matter. The government showed its inability to provide relief amid the commitments to the IMF and has been mulling other options – although limited – to placate people who have been on the streets and vented their frustration.
The government announced plans to launch a crackdown on electricity theft. The caretaker power minister said the electricity theft losses are estimated at Rs589 billion. Many power distribution companies have line losses as high as 60 percent, leading to losses in billions.
The measures being taken include technological intervention, involving the private sector, and strict enforcement in areas with high losses. This government is also expected to bring a new electricity theft control act for enforcement and set up special courts to hear complaints and award penalties. The government is also considering privatizing distribution companies or handing them over to provinces.
The criminal practice of electricity theft is widely prevalent in Pakistan. It is common to use rudimentary techniques by hooking to a power line (kunda), leading to severe losses and worsening the electricity crisis. In fact, a parallel power system has been running in many cities for years. The officials of utility companies are often complacent and several influential people are also involved in this practice.
The steps being taken against power theft are welcomed but its effectiveness must be measured. Previous governments have also taken similar measures with limited success. Despite public pressure and street agitation, the government has been trying to fix the chronic power crisis.
The current government maintains that unless the issue of power theft and paying bills is not resolved, there will be no respite from the electricity crisis. It should realize the magnanimity of the task ahead as the masses resist enforcement. The people should express support to strengthen the system which would eventually benefit the nation.
