ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulation Authority (NEPRA) has imposed a fine of twenty-eight million rupees on Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) for its gross negligence resulting in fatal accidents from July 2020 to December 2021.
After receiving reports of 16 deaths in different electrocution incidents during the aforementioned period, NEPRA constituted a two-member investigation committee to probe the matter.
The committee’s report revealed that 11 out of the total 16 casualties occurred due to MEPCO’s negligence. These included 4 of MEPCO’s employees and 7 persons from the general public.
The Authority issued a show cause notice to MEPCO and later provided it with an opportunity of hearing on July 4th, 2022. However, based on the evidence, perusal available of record and submissions made by MEPCO invoking the relevant provisions of the laws, rules and regulations, the authority observed that MEPCO had failed to discharge its statutory obligations to maintain safety standards according to the relevant laws, code and manual, and consequently, fined it Rs28m.
The Authority has directed MEPCO to provide compensation of Rs3.5m each to the bereaved families. It has also instructed MEPCO to ensure provision of jobs to the dependents of the deceased families as well as submit its documentary evidence to NACTA.
