Consequences of Power Theft

Power theft, a serious criminal offense, is rampant across Pakistan, costing the nation billions of rupees annually. Energy Minister Awais Leghari recently revealed that a staggering Rs 600 billion worth of electricity is stolen every year. According to NEPRA’s latest State of the Industry report, distribution companies lost over 19.17 billion units, or 16.4% of the total purchased units in 2022-23, due to transmission and distribution losses and power theft.

A significant portion of these stolen or lost units is either passed on to consumers or added to the growing circular debt, a burden future generations will inherit. To minimize theft losses, distribution companies are forced to implement power outages, even when there’s surplus generation capacity, affecting honest consumers. In December 2023, the President issued an ordinance amending Section 462(O) of the Pakistan Penal Code. This amendment made electricity theft a cognizable offense, punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, fines of up to three million rupees, and hefty detection bills. Power companies have been empowered to impose severe penalties, confiscate equipment, and file criminal cases against power thieves.

There has been a launch on a nationwide crackdown on power theft. This year, police in Punjab, including Lahore, have arrested 61,540 individuals on charges of power theft, leading to the registration of 99,572 cases and the conviction of 8,424 offenders. Similar operations are underway in Balochistan and parts of Sindh.

Power theft is a complex issue requiring a comprehensive solution. It is not just a financial crime; it is also a safety hazard. Illegal connections can lead to electrical fires, electrocution, and other accidents. By reporting power theft, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Let’s work together to eradicate this menace and ensure a safer, more prosperous future for Pakistan.