Approximately one month since the caretaker Minister for Energy announced a nationwide campaign against electricity theft. KE has reported that it identified around 24,000 cases of illegal usage accumulated to 40 million units of theft with the dedicated efforts of its distribution teams.
Anti-theft activities are already a part of the company’s business operations. It is dedicated to keeping the network safe and reducing the impact of line losses. Since the start of 2023, KE’s distribution teams have conducted over 14,000 kunda removal drives – an average of 60 per day across the city – and successfully removed over 130,000 kgs of kundas.
Additionally, in line with the directives of the Government of Pakistan and Government of Sindh and in coordination with civil administration and all law enforcement agencies, the company has also lodged 759 FIRs across various local police stations. These are against severe cases of electricity theft through prohibited hydrants, generator and kunda mafias, and individuals using electricity illegally where an amount of PKR 41.5 million has been recovered against the FIRs. Furthermore, PKR 192 million has been paid across 500+ instances where customers were apprehended for electricity theft but settled their bills before an FIR was lodged.
Theft of electricity not only bypasses the safety protocols of the network, but also affects the loss profile of an area which may impact the duration of loadshed. KE acknowledges that current macroeconomic conditions may be affecting customers’ propensity to pay and is organizing facilitation camps across the city. Customers can approach these camps in addition to KE Customer Care Centers spread across the city to clear their dues while also supporting them in obtaining regularized connections. Spokesperson KE appealed to elected and area representatives emphasizing that they have a strong role to play in inculcating a culture of regular bill payment while strongly discouraging the theft of power. These are critical steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of power.
