Nepra fines Gepco Rs10m for failing to earth poles

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a Rs10 million fine on the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) for failing to meet earthing and grounding requirements for its high-tension and low-tension poles and structures, according to an official order issued Thursday.

After reviewing submissions made by Gepco during a hearing on May 13, 2024, the regulatory body concluded that the company had not provided a satisfactory response to a show-cause notice. The fine was imposed under the Nepra Act and Fine Regulations 2021.

The regulator criticised Gepco for its lack of urgency in addressing the earthing and grounding of its steel structures within its service territory, the decision said Thursday.

It noted that Gepco has taken a “very casual” approach to the task, with delays extending nearly two years before finalising critical numbers related to the project. Nepra emphasised the severity of the issue, pointing out that the company had acknowledged fatalities caused by current leakages through steel structures.

“The licensee should have prioritised the execution of earthing much earlier, especially considering the fatalities that have occurred due to the lack of proper grounding,” it said, noting that Gepco only began to act after legal proceedings were initiated.

Nepra further warned that if Gepco continues its current approach, more fatalities could occur, particularly during the monsoon season when electrical hazards are heightened. The authority concluded that Gepco’s submissions regarding the delay were “not justified.”

The authority found Gepco failed to ensure 100 percent execution of earthing and grounding of its steel structures and poles within its service territory. As a result, Nepra has directed the power company to ground all remaining steel structures within three months and complete the grounding of PCC poles within one year. Failure to comply with these directives could lead to additional penalties, which Nepra said will be determined after the specified timelines have passed. Gepco has been instructed to pay the Rs10 million fine within 15 days of the order’s issuance. If the payment is not made, Nepra may recover the amount through legal means, including as arrears of land revenue, under Section 41 of the Nepra Act.