LESCO Faces Rs. 16.2 Billion Loss Due to Widespread Power Theft
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is experiencing significant challenges with electricity theft, resulting in a reported daily loss of 3 million units. Over the past three months, a total of 270 million units have been stolen, amounting to a loss of over Rs. 16.2 billion, as per a recent LESCO document.
Key Issues:
- Management and Political Interference: Despite efforts to curb the theft, poor management and political interference have exacerbated the situation. Incompetent officials, appointed based on recommendations from ministers and MNAs, hold key positions while effective officers combating theft have been sidelined.
- Increased Line Losses: Between July and September 2024, LESCO’s losses increased to 15.40%, up from 12.20% during the same period last year, primarily due to political meddling and the appointment of unqualified SDOs, XENs, and SEs in key constituencies.
- Ineffective Measures: The incompetent leadership has resorted to filing bogus cases rather than addressing the root causes of electricity theft.
Company’s Response:
Despite these challenges, LESCO’s spokesperson denied any political interference and stated that the company has taken action against over 140,000 electricity thieves since September 2023, imposing fines worth Rs. 5.49 billion. However, experts argue that these efforts are insufficient, as system inefficiencies and increasing theft continue to affect the largest distribution company in the country
