PESCO disconnects five transformers, removes four others over pending dues

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Nov 03 (APP): The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) disconnected five transformers, removed four others and eliminated 25 illegal electricity connections, while two alleged power pilferers were arrested during a crackdown on power theft and non-payment of dues in the district.

The operation was led by PESCO Dera Circle Superintending Engineer Hizbullah Mehsud in coordination with the district joint task force.

According to PESCO, 12 illegal direct connections were removed from the Faqirabad area along the 11KV Cantt-I feeder in the Cantt subdivision. Illegal electricity connections were also detected at New Royal Guest House, CRH and other premises in the TMA Market. Two people associated with a milk shop and a sheesha club were arrested during the operation.

In the Sheikh Yousaf-I feeder area, the connections of two 100KVA transformers in Farooq-e-Azam Town and Ratta Kulachi were disconnected over outstanding dues of Rs1.9 million and Rs1.14 million, respectively. Another 100KVA transformer on the Sheikh Yousaf-II feeder was disconnected over unpaid bills amounting to Rs1.15 million.

In the Paharpur subdivision, a 200KVA transformer installed at Abdul Latif Crush Plant in Kotla Lodhiyan was removed over outstanding dues of Rs1.8 million. Another 50KVA transformer was also taken away over unpaid bills of Rs500,000. The operation also resulted in the recovery of Rs320,000.

In the City-I subdivision, action was taken against a 200KVA transformer on the 11KV Muslim Bazaar feeder under two Electricity Recovery Orders (EROs) involving outstanding dues of Rs700,000. Four illegal connections were also removed, while Rs60,000 was recovered.

Similarly, in the Rural subdivision, two transformers — a 25KVA unit in Mahmood City and a 50KVA unit in Khan Valley, both on the 11KV Anjumabad feeder — were removed after being found connected directly to the power supply through illegal hooks.

The operation also yielded Rs160,000 in recovery.

According to SE Hizbullah Mehsud, a total of five transformers had their connections disconnected, while four were removed during the district-wide crackdown. He said 25 illegal direct connections were eliminated and two suspects arrested who were handed over to the Cantt police.

He added that relevant correspondence and documents had been submitted to police for registration of seven cases, while the total recovery during the operation stood at Rs540,000.