Nepra fines 3 power utilities Rs57.5m over ‘preventable’ deaths

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s power regulator has slapped heavy fines on three major state-run power utilities after investigations found that 30 people died in accidents that the regulator’s findings say could have been completely prevented.

The Nepra on Monday fined the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) a combined Rs57.5 million, blaming widespread negligence, weak management and a lack of basic safety practices for the deadly incidents reported in 2023-24.

The Lesco received the largest penalty of Rs30 million, after 13 people lost their lives in its network. The Nepra said the company had failed to follow required safety rules, did not plan jobs properly and did not enforce the use of protective gear. Investigators said the deaths could have been avoided if supervisors had done their jobs. The Nepra also ordered the Lesco to compensate families of four victims and fix its safety system immediately. It ordered the utility to compensate families of four victims, including members of the public and a contractor worker.

The Gepco was fined Rs17.5 million over nine fatal accidents. The regulator said the company showed “gross negligence” and did not provide any credible evidence to defend itself. It directed the Gepco to compensate the family of one victim and provide a job to the widow of another, saying the company must take responsibility for its failures.

The Fesco was fined Rs10 million after eight deaths, including employees, contractors and members of the public. Investigators again found poor supervision, weak planning and failure to enforce protective measures. The Nepra said the accidents were “entirely preventable,” rejecting the Fesco’s explanation.

All three companies have been ordered to deposit their fines within 15 days and to immediately implement corrective safety measures. The Nepra warned that failure to comply will trigger more legal action.