The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has devised a strategy to combat power theft and minimize power outages by implementing a new payment plan for consumers with illegal connections and outstanding bills.
Under this plan, such consumers are required to clear two years of unpaid bills, with an initial three-month payment upfront, followed by manageable instalments.
The initiative aims to alleviate the prolonged power cuts across the province, which recently drew criticism from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur toward the federal government.
The plan, endorsed by federal authorities, focuses on recovering dues from the past two years rather than pursuing 20-year-old arrears, aiming for practical solutions that enable consumers to gradually settle their bills. As consumers begin to fulfill their payment obligations, it is anticipated that the frequency of power outages in their areas will decrease.
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The strategy involves categorising consumers based on their electricity usage status, with tailored payment arrangements for each category to facilitate bill settlement and discourage power theft.
Additionally, a coordinated effort involving government officials, law enforcement agencies, and local representatives will be undertaken to enforce the plan effectively. Enforcement actions, including raids, warnings, and legal penalties, have already been initiated against defaulters and electricity thefts, resulting in significant fines and arrears recovery.
