ISLAMABAD: A recent audit report has uncovered large-scale electricity theft amounting to Rs5.78 billion in the jurisdictions of Lahore Electricity Supply Company (Lesco), Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (Pesco), and Hyderabad Electricity Supply Company (Hesco) over the past two fiscal years (2022–23 and 2023–24).
According to the findings, approximately 262,740 consumers were involved in power theft across nine regional zones, with Peshawar, Hyderabad, and Lahore topping the list. The Islamabad Electricity Supply Company (Iesco) also had consumers implicated in similar activities.
The report details various illegal methods used to steal electricity, including direct hooking (kunda), meter tampering, installation of fake meters, and manipulation of meter readings. Pesco reported the highest losses, with Rs1.84 billion worth of electricity stolen. Hesco and Lesco followed, reporting thefts valued at Rs1.61 billion and Rs1.35 billion, respectively.
In one significant incident, a hotel located on Davis Road in Lahore was found to have illicitly consumed electricity worth Rs26.3 million. According to Lesco officials, three of the hotel’s three-phase meters had been illegally reprogrammed and tampered with, effectively freezing the readings. The compromised meters were seized as evidence, and legal action was initiated against the culprits.
Authorities emphasize that these thefts not only cause financial strain on power companies but also contribute to load shedding and higher tariffs for honest consumers. Efforts are ongoing to crack down on such practices through enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement.
