Nepra imposes Rs26 million fine on Fesco for negligence

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a fine of Rs26 million on Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) on the charges of negligence, resulting in fatal incidents during the period July 2019 to January 2021.

The regulator upon receipt of reports of 17 deaths in different electrocution incidents during the above period, constituted a two-member investigation committee under Section 27A of the Nepra Act 1997 to visit the relevant areas, conduct investigation and ascertain the facts and possible violations of Nepra laws, rules and regulations

The investigation committee’s report revealed that 10 of the total 17 fatalities occurred due to Fesco’s negligence. These fatalities included eight Fesco’s employees and two persons from the general public.

Therefore, the authority issued a show-cause notice to Fesco on June 29, 2021 under Section 27B of the Nepra Act, 1997 and later provided an opportunity of hearing to Fesco on September 15, 2021.

Based on the evidence available on record, the submissions of Fesco and relevant provisions of the laws, rules and regulations; the authority concluded that Fesco has failed to discharge its statutory obligations to maintain safety standards as laid down in the relevant laws, code and manual.

The authority has; therefore, imposed a fine of Rs26 million on Fesco. The authority has also noticed that Fesco has given compensation of Rs3.5 million each to the families of its employees who lost their lives in these electrocution accidents; however, no compensation has been given to the families of the two deceased persons from the general public.

The authority has; therefore, directed Fesco to compensate the families of the deceased from the general public equal to the amount given to its deceased employees’ families (Rs3.5 million each) and the documentary evidence of the same would be shared with the authority.