The CEO of Peshawar Electric Supply Company Limited (PESCO) has condemned the attacks on the grid stations by public representatives, which has resulted in significant financial losses.
In a letter dated June 19, 2024, addressed to the Managing Director of Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) in Islamabad, the CEO expressed deep concern over recent incidents.
During Eid holidays, MNAs Fazle Elahi and Arbab Aamer Ayub, along with their supporters, forcibly activated 11KV high-loss feeders at the 132KV Grid Stations Rehman Baba and Kohat Road. This unauthorized action caused substantial financial harm to PESCO, as highlighted in the letter.
The CEO further reported that MNA Zulfiqar and others repeated similar actions at the 132KV Grid Stations Taru Jaba and Pabbi. They not only energized feeders against regulations but also incited mobs, creating an intimidating atmosphere for station staff.
In a separate incident, MNAs Wasim and Arshad Nazim Glozai disrupted operations at the 132KV Grid Station Dalazak, blocking the motorway and disrupting public travel. Additionally, Mayor Inam Mathra unlawfully accessed the 132KV Grid Station Warsak during Eid, illegally activating high-loss feeders and shifting burdensome areas to more stable lines.
The CEO emphasized that such incidents are becoming routine, with elected officials and their supporters unlawfully entering grid stations and activating high-loss feeders. This not only results in financial losses for PESCO and the state but also poses serious risks to station equipment due to inexperienced handling of switchgear.
PESCO has urged for immediate action, requesting that First Information Reports (FIRs) be filed against the responsible Members of National and Provincial Assemblies. These incidents have sparked public outrage, prompting severe criticism from the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding electricity load shedding during Eidul Azha, exacerbated by a heatwave.
To address the crisis, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and KPK Chief Minister held discussions, agreeing to further consultations on the issue of load shedding in the coming days.
