KARACHI, May 6: A team of KESC engineers specially trained to detect innovative and concealed methods for availing illegal power by commercial and industrial consumers, unearthed electricity theft worth Rs3.5 million at an ice factory and a petrol pump last night. A KESC official said on Friday that the commercial, bulk and seasonal consumers were being effectively and timely checked on power pilferage through routine exercises at the KESC main frame billing computers to identify any sudden drop in electricity consumption.

Since last month, the team was monitoring KESC seasonal consumer Piracha Ice Factory, at Shah Faisal Colony. On Thursday night KESC team inspected the ice factory and discovered an innovative method for illegal electricity.

The connecting cables of all the three phases were lengthwise pierced at the centre and another concealed wire was penetrated connected to a hidden switch for stopping the CT-operated meter from recording the actual power consumption so the meter was recording 50 per cent less electricity usage at the ice factory.

Similarly, the team checked the Faridi Service Station, at Garden Road, a disconnected commercial consumer with arrears of Rs3 million and found direct use of electricity bypassing the meters.

FIRs have been lodged against the owners of the ice factory and petrol pump. — PPI