June 16, 2022: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has imposed a Rs10 million fine on Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) on account of the transformer collapse at Ichhra Bazar, Lahore on November 30, 2021, causing the death of a woman besides injuries to her daughter.
The power regulator upon receipt of reports of the subject incident constituted a two-member Investigation Committee under Section 27A of the NEPRA Act 1997.
The committee visited the area of the incident, recorded the statements of the victim’s family, and shopkeepers of the area, cross-examined the LESCO officials/officers and conducted an analysis of the damaged transformer.
Based on the findings of the report, the authority issued a show-cause notice to LESCO under Section 27B of the NEPRA Act, 1997 and subsequently provided an opportunity of hearing to LESCO.
Based on the evidence available on record, submissions of LESCO and relevant provisions of the laws, rules and regulations; the authority concluded that LESCO has failed to discharge its statutory obligations to maintain safety standards as laid down in the relevant laws, code and manual.
The authority has also directed LESCO to provide compensation of Rs3.5 million to the bereaved family and documentary evidence of the same shall be submitted to the authority.
The authority has also instructed LESCO to ensure jobs for the dependent of the deceased family.
