The receivables of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has increased to Rs285 billion against different consumers, creating hurdles to continue uninterrupted power supply. Official sources in PEPCO revealed that out of total outstanding dues, the federal and provincial governments owed Rs142 billion while the remaining Rs143 billion was against general consumers.
Giving the breakup, sources said that Rs40 billion, Rs68 billion and Rs5 billion are outstanding against Karachi Electric Supply Company, provincial and federal governments respectively. Sources said that PEPCO’s payables have surged to Rs194 billion to IPPs and PSO. They added that the highest line losses were reported in Sukkur which stood at 37 per cent followed by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) calculated at 34 per cent. They said that at least 43,800 FIRs have been registered against power pilferage and a record number of 35,000 theft cases were filed in PESCO.
As many as 2.1 million bills were sent to the consumers worth Rs11.8 billion in this regard, they said. Sources said that power demand increased by 2000 MW every year, while only 1,200 was added to the national grid station last year. They said that air-conditions consumed around 6000 MW power in the country and around 50 million electric fans were non-standardised. Meanwhile, the electricity shortfall in the country on Wednesday again jumped to 4,059 MW from 3,385 MW as the total power generation was recorded at 14,618 MW against the demand of 18,677 MW during the last 24 hours. According to a briefing on daily power generation and load-management position, the hydel power generation stood at 5,703 MW, WAPDA thermal 1,922 MW, IPPs 6,800 MW and rental 193 MW. As many as 600 MW was supplied to Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), the report added. Water levels at Tarbela and Mangla dams were recorded at 1545.4 feet and 1202.85 feet with water discharge of 111,100 and 10,000 cusecs respectively.
