Energy Minister Claims Major Industries and Furnace Oil Plants Involved in Power Theft

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Energy, Owais Leghari, stated that not only the poor but also large industries and furnace oil plants are involved in electricity theft. Addressing a press conference, the Minister discussed the significant losses incurred by electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), revealing that the total loss for the fiscal year 2023-24 was 591 billion rupees.
He pointed out that these losses have placed a heavy burden on the national budget, making it harder to pay off the country’s debt. He added that if these losses were avoided, managing the country’s debt would have been easier.
The Minister emphasized that the government and cabinet had expressed deep concerns over this issue, leading to a strategic decision to reform the DISCOs. He also revealed that the government appointed officials to the DISCO boards who could bring in fresh perspectives and strategies. The Power Division also worked to eliminate the culture of recommendations within DISCOs.
Owais Leghari mentioned that, under good governance, they have successfully reduced the losses in DISCOs by 191 billion rupees, reaching a target of 399 billion rupees in comparison to 591 billion from the previous year. He thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership and acknowledged the support from the DISCO boards.
According to the Minister, electricity theft alone accounted for a loss of 276 billion rupees last year. However, he stated that some DISCOs had performed well and managed to reduce theft. For instance, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) led the charge with the most significant actions against power theft, noting that one large industrial unit was responsible for as much theft as an entire village.
Leghari also stated that efforts to reduce losses will continue and that they expect further improvements in the coming year.