Electricity Theft in Pakistan
Electricity theft, often referred to as “hooking,” has been a persistent issue in Pakistan, contributing significantly to the country’s ongoing power supply problems. This illegal practice involves tapping into power lines to drain electricity without proper authorization or payment, leading to substantial losses for utility companies and increasing the already critical electricity shortages.
These shortages frequently trigger street protests across Pakistan, as citizens express their frustration over frequent power outages and the poor performance of the national grid. Despite the public outcry and repeated demonstrations, the government has struggled to implement effective solutions to stabilize the power supply and address the systemic issues within the electrical infrastructure.
Addressing electricity theft is crucial because it is illegal and makes worse the load-shedding crisis, where power is deliberately cut off to conserve energy. In response to directives from both federal and provincial governments, the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has intensified its efforts to curb electricity theft. This includes deploying specialized teams to identify and dismantle illegal connections, and implementing advanced metering infrastructure to detect irregularities in power consumption.
However, the fight against electricity theft is not only the responsibility of the authorities. Public cooperation is vital to tackle this danger. Community members play a crucial role by reporting incidents of theft, thereby helping to safeguard the integrity of the power supply system. If you witness any instances of electricity theft, you are encouraged to report them using the contact numbers provided below.
How to Stop Electricity Theft
By working together, authorities and citizens can help reduce the impact of electricity theft, ensuring a more stable and reliable power supply for everyone. It is through collective attention and proactive measures that Pakistan can hope to overcome its energy challenges and improve the quality of life for its people.
Mepco Customer Service Number: 118
Mepco Complaint No: 0304-0927000
Mepco SDO Contact Number: 0319-9758770
For complaints regarding Electricity theft and overbilling, please contact the numbers mentioned below.
Federal Complaint Cell Number: 051-9204430 | 051-9206834