Interview with Rai Masood Kharal, Chief Spokesperson of LESCO
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Rai Masood. To begin, can you share with us the strategy about dealing with theft?
Rai Masood Kharal (RMK): Thank you for having me, Yes, during between September 7, 2023, and November 6, 2024?, LESCO registered a total of 141,257 FIRs against customers accused of electricity theft. Out of these cases, we successfully arrested 43,265 individuals involved in these activities.
Q: That is a significant number. Has there been any action taken against LESCO employees found complicit in electricity theft?
RMK: Absolutely. We have been vigilant about accountability within our own ranks as well. LESCO arrested 11 of its employees and suspended 112 for their involvement in aiding or facilitating electricity theft.
And the company has adopted zero tolerance policy against the black sheep in the company. The employees involved in theft related actives will never be spared.
Q: It’s reassuring to know that internal accountability is also being enforced. Can you tell us about the financial recovery LESCO has managed to achieve related to electricity theft?
RMK: Yes, as of now, we have recovered 56 per cent of the total amount due to electricity theft, which amounts to Rs5.9. The actual amount recovered so far stands at Rs3.3.
Q: That’s a considerable sum. Could you elaborate on which regions or circles are included in this report and the types of connections involved?
RMK: The report covers a comprehensive range of areas, including North Lahore Circle, Central Circle, Eastern Circle, Southern Circle, Sheikhupura Circle, Kasur Circle, Nankana Circle, and the Industrial Circle. These circles encompass various types of connections such as industrial, agricultural, commercial, and domestic.
Q: With such large-scale operations, what challenges has LESCO faced in its efforts to curb electricity theft?
RMK: The biggest challenge is the widespread nature of theft, which sometimes involves organized networks. Additionally, ensuring the cooperation of local communities and maintaining a balance between enforcement and customer relations has been demanding. Nonetheless, LESCO is committed to continuing its crackdown on electricity theft while also ensuring fair practices.
Q: How has the public responded to these strict measures by LESCO?
RMK: The response has been mixed. While many law-abiding customers support our efforts to reduce electricity theft and maintain fairness, some areas have seen resistance due to the cultural and socioeconomic factors tied to electricity consumption. However, public awareness campaigns have helped improve cooperation.
Q: Given the scale of these measures, what measures has LESCO taken to prevent future cases of theft and maintain transparency?
RMK: We are implementing advanced metering infrastructure and digital surveillance to better monitor consumption patterns and detect anomalies. Transparency is a priority, so we regularly publish reports on our operations and outcomes to keep the public informed.
Interviewer: Thank you, Masood, for providing these insights. It’s important for the public to understand the efforts and challenges involved in maintaining an equitable power distribution system.
RMK: Thank you, we appreciate your platform for shedding light on these crucial issues.
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