Introduction of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO)

The Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) is one of Pakistan’s major electricity distribution companies, entrusted with supplying power to 13 districts of Sindh province under Electric Power Supply and Distribution Licenses issued by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

Operating across an extensive service territory of approximately 77,160 square kilometers, HESCO caters to a population of around 17.5 million people and employs nearly 7,360 staff members dedicated to maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply.

HESCO’s operational jurisdiction encompasses a diverse mix of urban centers, rural communities, coastal regions, agricultural lands, and industrial zones. The company manages a total sanctioned load of 3,665.867 MW, reflecting the scale and strategic importance of its operations in southern Sindh. With 79 grid stations and a cumulative transformation capacity of 3,394.5 MVA, the distribution network is supported by 132 kV and 66 kV transmission lines that ensure stable and reliable electricity flow across its service area.

The company operates through four operational circles, comprising 17 divisions and a total of 685 feeders, including 322 urban feeders and 363 rural feeders. This structure enables HESCO to address the distinct operational challenges posed by urban density, agricultural demand, dispersed rural settlements, and geographically sensitive coastal and desert areas. As of January 2026, HESCO serves 1,268,534 consumers. The consumer profile is predominantly domestic, with 1,040,966 residential consumers forming the largest segment. In addition, the company supplies electricity to 180,044 commercial consumers and 16,264 industrial consumers, along with agricultural tube-wells and other categories. The distribution of consumers across operational circles reflects regional demand patterns: Hyderabad accounts for 351,466 consumers, Laar for 279,516, Nawabshah for 386,174, and Mirpurkhas for 251,378. These figures highlight Nawabshah and Hyderabad as major load centers, while Laar and Mirpurkhas represent significant rural and semi-urban service areas.

The feeder distribution further demonstrates the operational complexity of the network, with 176 feeders in Hyderabad, 95 in Mirpurkhas, 173 in Nawabshah, and 241 in Laar. The comparatively higher number of feeders in Laar indicates a geographically dispersed and rural-intensive network, including a coastal belt of approximately 270 square kilometers covering six sub-divisions. The company’s jurisdiction spans districts such as Hyderabad and TandoAllahyar under the Hyderabad Circle; Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, and Jamshoro under Laar; Matiari, ShaheedBenazirabad (Nawabshah), and Sanghar under Nawabshah; and Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and Tharparkar under the Mirpurkhas Circle. This broad geographic spread requires diversified operational planning and continuous infrastructure management.

Financially, HESCO has demonstrated substantial revenue generation capacity. Up to January 2026, total revenue collection reached PKR 77,504.4 million. While domestic consumers form the largest numerical segment, commercial and industrial categories contribute significantly to overall revenue due to higher consumption levels and applicable tariff structures. This revenue profile underscores the importance of industrial and commercial growth in sustaining financial stability, while also emphasizing the need for continued efforts in loss reduction and recovery improvement, particularly within domestic and agricultural segments.

In pursuit of transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery, HESCO has implemented a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance framework. Through digital monitoring systems, GIS-based mapping, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integration, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), operational oversight has been strengthened. Additionally, approximately 583 projects under the APMS initiative have been implemented to enhance field-level performance. Updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both field and office operations have further institutionalized governance reforms.

A Centralized Complaint Management System (CCMS) has been introduced to improve consumer facilitation. This modern platform enables prompt registration and resolution of complaints, ensuring improved responsiveness and service quality. Through continuous monitoring of both electricity consumption patterns and staff performance, the company has strengthened internal accountability mechanisms.

During the tenure of Mr. FaizullahDahri, which commenced on 14 January 2025, HESCO undertook significant administrative and operational reforms. Despite resource constraints, the management prioritized governance improvements, operational efficiency, and enhanced public service delivery. As a result of these efforts, system losses were reduced by 2.17 percent, revenue recovery improved by 10.2 percent, and overall service efficiency witnessed measurable progress.

The progress achieved by HESCO reflects a structured approach toward modernization, regulatory compliance, and institutional strengthening. By integrating technological advancement with administrative reforms, the company continues to enhance reliability, transparency, and financial sustainability. As a key electricity distribution utility in Sindh, HESCO remains committed to supporting regional economic development, industrial growth, and improved quality of life for the communities it serves.

HESCO MILESTONES

NEW GRID STATIONS

1. 132KV JAM NAWAZ ALI

2. 132KV NOORIABAD-II

3. 132KV KOTRI SITE-II

4. 132KV RIVER BAND (UNIT NO.4)

5. 132KV RASHIDABAD

6. 132KV MIRPUR KHAS-II

7. 132KV QASIMABAD-II

8. 132KV BHIT SHAH

9. 132KV GHARO

10. 132KV NINDO TOWN

FOLLOWING 66KV GRID STATIONS ARE PLANNED TO BE CONVERTED INTO A 132KV VOLTAGE LEVEL UP TO FY 2030

1. MITHI

2. ISLAMKOT

3. KHIPRO

4. PITHORO

5. TANDO BAGO

6. PANGRIO

7. KALOI

8. KADHAN

9. NABISAR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026