ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has given all public sector consumers seven days to clear their dues, stating that otherwise the power meters would be disconnected after December 26.

Iesco has started to forward these notices to various departments which have failed to clear dues for a long period.

Keeping up with its tradition, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) tops the list of 52 government offices.

CDA has an outstanding amount of Rs2.09 billion in terms of electricity bills, while the defence ministry has to clear Rs312.13 million power dues.

“Recovery from government defaulters must be ensured and they must be asked to pay their electricity dues on time,” said Mohammad Yousaf Awan, the Iesco chief executive officer, here on Thursday while addressing the senior management of the company.

“The electricity connections of government defaulters who refuse to pay their dues by Thursday (December 26) will be severed without any discrimination,” he added.

The minister was talking to the Iesco officers after a meeting with the Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali. The minister had assured Iesco of his complete support and cooperation in the recovery drive.

The list compiled by Iesco maintains that the outstanding amount against Cantt Board Chaklala is Rs271.43 million, Defence Production Division Rs152.97 million, TMA Rawal Town Rs102.31 million, Cantt Board Rawalpindi Rs93.19 million, Ministry of Railway Rs65.28 million and PWD Rs55.93 million.

Furthermore, the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology has to pay Iesco Rs52.37 million, Hospitals Under Federal Govt Rs45.80 million, TMA Murree Rs41.04 million, Adiala Jail Rs40.84 million, Islamabad Police Rs36.40 million, PTCL Rs25.64 million and D.G Registration NADRA Rs25.41 million.

Moreover, Chief Commissioner Islamabad owes Rs20.80 million, G.M Hydel Rs17.06 million, Parliament Lodges Rs16.56 million, Punjab Police Rs14.05 million, Federal Education Rs9.69 million, Health units in Islamabad Rs6.91 million, Punjab PWD Rs6.88 million, Narcotics Control Board Rs5.63 million and M/O Local Govt Rs5.38 million.

Meanwhile, the Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi owes Rs5.35 million, Punjab Health & Welfare Dept Rs4.25 million, Intelligence Bureau Rs3.64 million and TMA Jhelum Rs3.20.

However, scepticism prevails in Iesco over the outcome of the upcoming recovery drive which will be launched with the support of Mr Abid Sher Ali.

“Practically, we can only push for the recoveries. As soon as we start the disconnection drive, there will be enormous pressure on us from different sectors, but we will be able to make some recovery,” said an official of Iesco, requesting anonymity.

“Streamlining the billing system of the government department is only possible with political will and the support of the establishment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Iesco has also decided that all meters in commercial outlets which have domestic tariff, mainly those established in the residential areas, would be identified immediately and their tariff would be changed within 15 days.