The government will conduct a comprehensive technical audit of all power distribution companies (DISCOs). This major initiative will pinpoint the scale, causes, and geographic hotspots of electricity theft. Furthermore, it will thoroughly evaluate technical and commercial distribution losses. Currently, these ongoing inefficiencies severely pressure the national power sector. Consequently, they continuously fuel the growing circular debt.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Senator Ahad Cheema and Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari recently co-chaired a high-level committee meeting. Specifically, they led the Committee Constituted vide PM Directive on Inefficiencies and Electricity Theft in DISCOs. During this session, key institutions thoroughly briefed the committee. These included the Power Division, NEPRA, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), and the Pakistan Digital Authority. They discussed power theft, financial recoveries, and technology-based interventions.
A Tech-Driven Technical Audit of All DISCOs
Following detailed deliberations, the committee formally decided to launch the technical audit. Therefore, they assigned a critical role to the MoITT. The ministry will provide essential technological assistance. It will also facilitate the audit through a transparent and credible mechanism.
Moreover, the government will issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) shortly. This crucial step will engage suitably qualified technical experts for the exercise. Meanwhile, officials will finalize the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the technical audit by next week.
Zero Tolerance for Overbilling
Senator Cheema emphasized the strict need for a comprehensive diagnostic analysis. The audit must uncover the underlying causes of theft and produce actionable findings. He explicitly stated that the public will not carry the financial burden of system inefficiencies.
“Overbilling is completely unacceptable,” Cheema declared. Consequently, the audit’s findings will empower the government to launch targeted, evidence-based measures. This proactive approach will ultimately prevent any further increase in circular debt.
Minister Leghari also confirmed the Power Division’s complete alignment with these objectives. His team actively works to control theft, especially within high-risk DISCOs. Furthermore, both co-chairs issued a stern warning. They will absolutely not tolerate DISCOs using excessive billing to hide operational failures or commercial losses. Consumers must never pay for the distribution network’s inherent weaknesses.
Solar Pilot Projects & Digital Monitoring
To combat severe line losses, the committee reviewed incentive-based solarisation pilot projects. The government will deploy these initiatives primarily in PESCO and QESCO territories, where theft remains highest. As a result, these solar energy solutions will reduce immense pressure on the primary electricity network.
Additionally, the committee highlighted the sheer power of digital tools. Authorities must actively use reliable data to detect irregularities and strengthen accountability across the grid.
Finally, officials expressed satisfaction over the improved recovery performance by DISCOs during the current year. However, they demanded sustained momentum. Therefore, the government expects better governance, strict monitoring, and technology-driven reforms in high-loss areas moving forward.
