The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has imposed a cumulative penalty of Rs57.5 million on three power distribution companies for negligence that led to the loss of 30 lives during 2023 and 2024.

In separate rulings, NEPRA held the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) responsible for the fatalities.

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The regulator said the deaths were the result of severe negligence and inadequate safety measures within the distribution networks, while noting that timely and effective action by the companies could have prevented the incidents.

According to NEPRA’s findings, 13 deaths occurred in LESCO’s area, nine in GEPCO’s network, and eight in FESCO’s jurisdiction. All three companies failed to provide satisfactory responses to show-cause notices issued during the investigation.

Under the rulings, LESCO was fined Rs30 million, GEPCO Rs17.5 million, and FESCO Rs10 million. NEPRA has directed the companies to implement stronger and more effective safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.