I would like to give a realistic and practical suggestion to Pepco for the current and future load shedding in Pakistan.
Presently, all the consumers whether they pay their electricity bills regularly or not and those who do not pay at all, are all treated alike when it comes to the load shedding schedule.
The Pepco should devise a new formula according to the areas. In areas where the power thefts are maximum the load shedding should be maximum. Where the residents pay bills regularly, the load shedding should be minimum. Pepco should survey all such localities and grade these accordingly. After all, why should law-abiding citizens suffer the same as those who are thieves or indulge in other malpractices whereby the Pepco suffers colossal line losses (over 30 percent) resulting in the increase of power rates.
In the long run, residents who suffer due to those in majority in power stealing areas may force them to pay their bills. Conversely, the corruption by linemen and other Pepco staff is likely to be reduced.
The formula for evaluating the categories for the amount of load shedding may also be notified in the media by Pepco giving facts and figures. If this exercise is carried out sincerely, I am sure the citizens will accept it willingly.
Why not start a pilot programme from Lahore?
RASHID MAQSOOD
Lahore
