ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government is stepping up its crackdown on electricity theft, with Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari announcing the installation of an Electronic Power Monitoring System (EPMS) to shut off transformers in areas plagued by power theft.
The system will enable authorities to disconnect the relevant transformers in theft-hit areas while ensuring that other consumers connected to the same feeder are not affected, Leghari said.
Minister said load-shedding would continue on feeders with line losses of 30 per cent or more, in line with the government’s predetermined schedule. Making the government’s position clear, Leghari said electricity thieves and consumers who fail to pay their bills would not be given any relief. He added that measures had been taken to protect consumers from excessively high electricity bills.
The minister also said gas shortages linked to the Iran-US war were making electricity generation more expensive, adding to the challenges facing the power sector.
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The installation of EPMS is aimed at enabling authorities to take targeted action against electricity theft by switching off the relevant transformers in affected areas. According to Leghari, the system will help prevent other consumers on the same feeder from suffering power disruptions because of theft-related action.
Feeders with line losses of 30 per cent or above will continue to face load-shedding, as the government maintains its existing policy for managing electricity distribution losses.
During the visit, Leghari also announced progress on the expansion of Dera Ghazi Khan Airport, which is being upgraded to accommodate international flights. Rs5.5 billion airport expansion project is scheduled for completion in January 2028, he said.
The minister added that work was also underway on four major development projects announced by the prime minister for Dera Ghazi Khan. These include a cancer hospital, a sewage project and road-widening schemes.
EPMS initiative is expected to play a role in the government’s efforts to curb electricity theft and reduce losses in the power sector. Its effectiveness will depend on implementation and the extent to which authorities can target electricity theft without disrupting legitimate consumers.