LAHORE: Observing massive loadshedding on high-loss feeders was first introduced and implemented by the K-Electric, and later adopted by all power distribution companies (Discos) that continued with it after the government found the idea successful in bringing down percentage of line losses in the country.

“Observing shutdowns in addition to the routine loadshedding on high-loss feeders was basically K-Electric’s idea that it introduced and executed successfully in Karachi where complaints related to power theft were common a couple of years ago. Since the plan proved successful, various Discos, including Lesco, started adopting it after the government formally made it a policy,” explained Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) Chief Executive Officer Syed Wajid Ali Kazmi.

Along with reduction in line losses, the K-Electric also managed to improve safety for its field staff. “Keeping in view the professionalism, we have also got many of our officials trained by the K-Electric on safety and reduction in line losses,” he added.

When asked the reason behind loadshedding on high-loss feeders despite the fact that some of the consumers living in those areas paid their bills regularly, Mr Kazmi admitted that there should be no loadshedding besides the announced schedules for those paying bills regularly in the areas coming under high-loss feeders.

“Logically, it is social injustice with such consumers because why a regular bill payer should bear the brunt of electricity thieves and those doing loadshedding,” he admitted.

On the other hand, Mr Kazmi said carrying out massive loadshedding on high-loss feeders had positive aspects too. If high-loss feeders were shut down in addition to routine loadshedding, consumers paying bills regularly came on board against power thieves. They joined hands with the government and became part of the drive against outlaws covertly or openly by informing field teams about such illegalities.

“When we started conducting unscheduled loadshedding on high-loss feeders in the areas of Burki, Batapur and Shalamar, people individually or led by the local MNA contacted us. After we briefed them about the situation, the MNA convinced several people to submit applications for electricity connections. Finally, we brought them into our billing network. It reflected a reduction from 40pc to 50pc in power theft,” the Lesco chief claimed.

He said work on reduction in line losses on 272 high-loss feeders was under way, as two chief engineers along with police officials were paying regular visits to various areas daily. He said Lesco had also written a letter to Rangers for force that could accompany its teams while detecting power thieves. But Rangers asked the Lesco admin to move the case through the interior ministry.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2017