Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on the performance of electricity distribution companies including Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO).
The meeting focused on addressing key issues related to overbilling, energy theft and ensuring transparency in billing practices.
The Prime Minister ordered that the installation of smart meters be accelerated to ensure accuracy and transparency in the billing system.
He stressed that over-billing would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against officials involved in such practices.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister called for comprehensive measures to curb electricity theft and ensure efficient distribution.
He expressed concern over the slow pace of appointment process of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of power distribution companies and directed that the process be completed promptly through a transparent and merit-based approach.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the importance of merit in the recruitment process of staff of electricity distribution companies and stated that no leniency would be allowed to ensure transparency. He also urged the use of all available resources to meet the targets set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
The meeting included a detailed briefing on the performance of LESCO, PESCO and FESCO. As of November 2024, LESCO’s recovery rate was 96.82%, PESCO’s 87.98% and FESCO’s 97.57%.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Energy Division Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervez Malik , the Prime Minister’s Coordinator, Rana Ehsaas Afzal, and senior government officials. participated in the meeting.
