LAHORE: A dreadful picture has emerged with respect to the number of fatalities during FY2018-19 occurring in all the distribution companies (DISCOs) i.e. 175, around 14 percent more than in FY2017-18. The Performance Evaluation Report 2018-19 of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has also depicted a terrible figure of fatal accidents for the period from July to December 2019 i.e. 120.
During the two periods, KE's share remained high - 54 and 52 - followed by PESCO and IESCO, the report added. An alarming increase in the number of fatal accidents in 2018-19 compared to 2017-18 shows that the distribution companies have failed to adhere to the safety practices.
NEPRA has taken a serious notice of the rise in the number of fatalities in Karachi and in the jurisdiction of PESCO and IESCO and ordered investigations under Section 27A of NEPRA Act. Accordingly, investigation against K-Electric was conducted and based on the findings of investigation report K-Electric has been fined Rs50 million along with some instructions regarding completion of earthing/grounding of its distribution system in order to adhere to the safety standards.
Further, investigations against PESCO and IESCO on account of fatal accidents during the period from July to December 2019 are ongoing. It is worth noting that safety is the most significant parameter in the assessment of DISCOs' performances. DISCOs are persistently advised to comply with prescribed safety standards in letter and spirit.
The field staff also holds regular protests against their management for the lack of safety measures. The field staff of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) had organized a protest and sit-in at the Lahore Press Club on Thursday, demanding safety measures to avoid fatalities.
Unfortunately, the report said, DISCOs have failed to comply with Safety Standards as prescribed in Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules 2005, wherein, Rule 4 (g) states that a distribution company shall implement suitable, necessary and appropriate rules, regulations and working practices as outlined in its Distribution Code or applicable documents to ensure the safety of its staff and general public.
It is pertinent to highlight that NEPRA being the regulator holds safety to be of paramount importance and persistently advises DISCOs to develop a safety culture by adhering to the safety standards. DISCOs are directed to conduct detailed surveys to identify safety hazards and take immediate steps to remove such safety hazards in order to avoid fatal accidents.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020