Power disco faces hefty penalties over electrocution deaths

To court ordered QESCO to pay PKR 3.5 million in compensation for each victim in addition to a fine of PKR 10 million

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The authorities have imposed a PKR 10 million fine on a Balochistan power distribution company over 15 electrocution fatalities.

In addition, the Authority has directed QESCO to pay PKR 3.5 million in compensation to each of the victim’s successors, and to provide employment to one of every victim’s kin.

The penalties, targeting Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), came from National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) after it found the disco negligent in the matter.

NEPRA had constituted a 02 member Investigation Committee under Section 27A of NEPRA Act 1997 upon receipt of reports of 15 deaths in different electrocution incidents from July 2019 to June 2021. The Committee was mandated to visit the respective areas; conduct investigation; and ascertain and determine the facts and possible violations of NEPRA Laws, Rules and Regulations.

The Investigation Committee found that 04 of the 15 fatalities had occurred due to QESCO’s negligence. The the Authority then issued a show cause notice to QESCO on January 24, 2022 under Section 27B of the NEPRA Act, 1997.

NEPRA later provided an opportunity of hearing to QESCO on April 14, 2022. It considered the matter based on the evidence, available record, and submissions of QESCO invoking the relevant provisions of the laws, rules and regulations.

The Authority found that QESCO had failed to discharge its statutory obligations to maintain safety standards as laid down in the relevant laws, code and manual. The Authority therefore imposed a fine of PKR 10 million on QESCO.

NEPRA has directed QESCO to submit documentary evidence of compliance.