Nepra fines KE Rs10 million for inadequate safety measures

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a fine of Rs10 million on K-Electric for failing to implement adequate safety measures for the safety of people.

Regulators cited the death of Muhammad Aslam, a contractor, who was killed due to the improper isolation of the high-tension/low-tension system.

KE worked in an unorganised and unsafe manner that led to the tragedy, said Nepra, and directed the power supplier to compensate the victim Aslam’s family with Rs3.5 million and provide a job to the next of kin of his family.

The authority gave two weeks respite to pay the fine and two months to submit proof of compliance to the regulatory body.

On August 30, Nepra served the notice to the representative of the electric supplier for violating the performance standards, distribution code, power safety code, and other applicable documents, which resulted in 33 fatalities during FY2022-23.

Later on September 14, the company submitted the response to the notice, showing 33 fatalities in the different incidents related to electrocution.

After reviewing the response, Nepra rejected the report and decided to provide an opportunity for a hearing to KE on May 13, 2024.

The Nepra decision stated that Aslam could have been saved from the incident if proper isolation of the HT/LT system had been ensured before executing the work.

Further, the PQC (product quality control) staff of the KE did not supervise the site, which led to the demise of the victim, it stated.

However, the Nepra did not order compensation for 32 victims as they were found involved in thief and drug-related activities or attempted unauthorised access to the KE infrastructure.