LAHORE: The Punjab government is going to launch a grand operation against electricity theft, smuggling and hoarding across the province, giving one-month period to the authorities concerned to eliminate these menaces.

”Zero-tolerance policy should be adopted against electricity theft, smuggling and hoarding,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while chairing a meeting of the energy department here on Saturday.

She directed the authorities concerned to set targets for the anti-power theft operation, seeking a compliance report before the expiry of the one-month deadline. She said during the operation, every connection, including industrial, commercial and domestic, should be checked, adding the relevant authorities would be responsible in case of any failure.

The CM said those found involved in power theft, smuggling and hoarding won’t be spared.

She also ordered a legislation to ensure severe punishments and heavy fines to eliminate electricity theft. She said as electricity theft was already a cognizable offence, so arrests and immediate punishment of the culprits should be ensured.

”Action will also be taken against government officials involved in electricity theft. Black sheep within the system should be identified and tried under the relevant laws.”

The chief minister said the ministry of energy would also monitor all electricity distribution companies (Discos) in the province.

She also ordered a task force comprising experts and government representatives to devise an effective strategy to curb power-theft. This task force would monitor the ministry of power, the performance of Discos and the operation against power theft, she added.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2024