Electricity companies in Pakistan fined for failing to implement proper safety measures

Pakistan's power sector regulator has fined several electricity distribution companies for failing to implement proper safety measures, leading to fatal accidents.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has imposed fines of PKR 10 million ($35,700) each on Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco), Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), and Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (Tesco).

According to NEPRA, the companies violated performance standards that require distribution facilities to prevent electrical current leakage and step potential beyond levels that can cause harm to human life.

The standards also mandate measures to prevent accessibility to live conductors and equipment, as well as steps to avert hazardous situations resulting from equipment breakdowns that cause harmful voltage or leakage current.

NEPRA's Safety Management Criteria state that distribution companies must ensure their facilities do not endanger human life, property, or the general public, including employees and company property.

The authority emphasized that financial limitations and budgetary constraints are not acceptable excuses for non-compliance, asserting that providing safe and reliable infrastructure is a fundamental obligation of the companies. The regulator also criticized the companies for focusing safety measures primarily on densely populated areas, urging them to address hazards across the entire system.

NEPRA has directed the companies to implement appropriate safety measures, including grounding all steel structures within three months and ensuring proper safety of PCC poles within one year. The fines are part of NEPRA's broader efforts to enforce compliance with safety regulations and protect public welfare.