The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed fines totaling up to Rs57.5 million on three state-run power distribution companies—Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco)—after investigations revealed that 30 deaths reported in 2023-24 were entirely preventable, attributing the fatalities to systemic negligence, poor oversight, and the failure to enforce basic safety procedures.
Lesco received the largest fine, Rs30 million, following 13 fatalities on its network. Nepra said the utility failed to meet mandatory safety standards, did not ensure proper job planning and did not enforce the use of protective gear.
The regulator directed the company to compensate families of four victims, including members of the public and a contractor worker, and to urgently overhaul its safety protocols.
Gepco was fined Rs17.5 million for nine deaths. Investigators found what they termed “gross negligence” and said the company provided no credible justification for the incidents. Nepra instructed Gepco to compensate one victim’s family and offer employment to the widow of another.
Fesco was fined Rs10 million after eight people, including employees, contractors and members of the public, died in separate incidents. The regulator rejected the company’s explanations, concluding that the accidents occurred due to poor supervision and the failure to enforce safety measures.
Nepra has ordered all three companies to deposit the fines within 15 days and implement corrective actions immediately. It warned that non-compliance would result in further legal proceedings.
