HESCO launches recovery campaign to realize Rs 10 bn

HYDERABAD: The management of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company has launched a massive campaign for recovery of Rs 10 billion outstanding dues against public and private consumers and in this respect, 366 power connections of various public and private consumers have been disconnected on Tuesday by special HESCO task force against whom the outstanding arrears were piled up to Rs. 160 millions.

According to HESCO spokesman, the task forces have discontinued two power connections of Pakistan Cricket Board due to outstanding dues of Rs 8 million, three connections of Meteorological Department due to outstanding dues of Rs. 3.94 million, 353 connections of Chief Engineer Water South due to outstanding dues of Rs. 112.57 million, two connection of the office of Auditor General Pakistan due to outstanding dues of Rs. 0.04 million, one connection of Health Department due to outstanding dues of Rs. 0.08 million, two connections of Food and Livestock Departments due to outstanding dues of Rs. 0.32 million, one connection of the office of Chief Engineer NTDC due to outstanding dues of Rs. 1.52 million, one connection of Hyderabad Cantonment Board due to outstanding dues of Rs. 29.49 million, one connection of SSGL due to outstanding dues of Rs. 0.61 million and one connection of National Bank of Pakistan following outstanding arrears of Rs. 0.62 million.

Besides, the power connections of Pakistan Rangers, Post Office, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Utility Store, Zarai Taraqiyati Bank, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, University of Sindh, Sindh Agriculture University and Civil Aviation have also been discontinued due to non payment of electricity dues.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer HESCO Muzaffar Ali Abbasi presiding over a meeting of the incharges of all operation circles has asked them to ensure hundred percent recoveries from the defaulters and in case of failure, cut off their electric connections.

On the directives of Federal Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar, special teams have been formed for recovery of outstanding dues from the defaulters, he said and added that strict directives should be issued to all superintending and executive engineers as well as sub-divisional officers to ensure hundred percent recoveries of outstanding dues. Strict action would be initiated against those who found negligence in duty, he maintained.