Lesco to crack down on power theft in lawyers’ chambers

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) is taking firm action to combat power theft in various court premises by launching a thorough investigation.

Within the realm of legal practitioners, an astounding 2,600 connections situated within lawyers’ abodes have been identified for meticulous examination. Out of all the districts served by Lesco, the shining beacon of Kasur outshines them all. This revelation, which has come to light courtesy of the esteemed publication Dawn, serves as a testament to the remarkable dedication and unyielding vigilance displayed by the authorities in their pursuit of justice.

“While eagerly venturing into the realm of lawyers’ chambers, we have been diligently conducting inspections every blessed Sunday, eagerly awaiting the grand commencement of formal operations,” exclaimed Shahid Haider, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Lesco, in an interview with Dawn.

“Nevertheless, we have shared the lists with district administrations to secure their support in these operations. Our efforts will extend to all Kutcheries in Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib and Shiekhupura.”

Lesco’s northern circle identified 34 chambers in Lahore and Ferozewala kutcheries where lawyers illegally obtain power, resulting in a monthly loss of Rs1.61 million.

The company’s central circle has identified 490 chambers in the kutcheries of high and supreme courts where power supply continues illegally through direct connections, estimating losses of up to Rs3.53 million per month.

Lesco’s south circle, which covers Model Town and Cantt kutcheries, has identified 203 chambers.

Teams report losses of up to Rs4.58 million. Okara Circle, which includes Renala Khurd, Okara, and Depalpur kutcheries, has 410 chambers where power pilferage is underway. This illegal activity, carried out by lawyers, has resulted in reported losses amounting to a staggering Rs17.41 million. Such losses not only pose financial challenges but also hinder the overall progress and development of the region.

Power pilferage is a serious issue that not only affects the economy but also disrupts the lives of people who rely on a stable electricity supply. The losses incurred due to this illicit practice can have far-reaching consequences, impacting the provision of essential services and hindering the growth of businesses.

Efforts must be made to address power theft and instill a culture of responsible energy consumption. Promoting awareness about the negative consequences of power pilferage and enforcing strict penalties for those involved can help deter such practices. Furthermore, investing in robust infrastructure and implementing advanced technologies to detect and prevent power theft can contribute to reducing these losses significantly.

Ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply is crucial for the overall progress and well-being of any community. By collectively working towards combating power pilferage and promoting responsible energy usage, we can pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

In Sheikhupura Circle, unauthorized electricity usage has been detected in 140 chambers, causing a monthly financial loss of approximately Rs5.4 million at the Sheikhpura kutchery. Similarly, in Kasur Circle, out of a total of 1,387 chambers, 1,321 chambers in Kasur, Chunian, Pattoki, and Kot Radha Kishan are illegally using electricity, resulting in losses of around Rs22.34 million.

Nankana Sahib Circle covers Nankana, Shahkot and Sangla Hill, with reported power theft worth Rs3.65 million. However, the report does not mention the number of chambers receiving power directly from the main lines.

Lahore Bar Association President Rana Intizar Hussain said he supported anti-power theft operations, saying that no one, including lawyers, should be allowed to steal electricity in any way.

“I believe that whoever is involved in power theft, whether lawyers or otherwise, must be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he added.

Also, the Lesco administration plans to intensify the anti-power theft campaign in hard areas, such as Sharaqpur, Ferozewala, Kala Khatai Road, Ali Park, Burj Attari, Bund Road, Mohallah Kakkayzai, Saggian, Niaz Beg, Dubanpura, Shahpur, Bagarian, Shadewal, Samsani, Sundar, Mohlanwal, Sattokatla, Kharak, Lakhudair, border areas (Burki, Hadiara, Ghurki, etc.), Sitara Colony, and Shah Di Khui, as well as various unelectrified housing societies.

In addition to the aforementioned regions such as Ravi Belt Area, Renala, Sher Garh, Hujra, Depalpur Road in the Okara circle, border areas of Narang, villages in the vicinity, and Khanqa Dogra in the Sheikhupura circle, Ravi belt area, Bucheki, and Syed Wala in the Nankana circle, and Pattoki, Chunian, Kanganpur, Phool Nagar, Kot Radha Kishan, border area, Lalyani in Kasur shall also be duly focused upon.

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