The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has imposed a fine of Rs. 21 million on Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) on charges of negligence resulting in fatal incidents during the period from July 2019 to May 2021.
NEPRA upon receipt of reports of 13 deaths in different electrocution incidents during the above-stated period, constituted a two-member investigation committee under Section 27A of NEPRA Act 1997 to visit the relevant areas, conduct investigation and ascertain the facts and possible violations of NEPRA Laws, Rules and Regulations.
The investigation committee’s report revealed that eight out of the total thirteen fatalities occurred due to GEPCO’s negligence. These fatalities included one GEPCO employee and seven persons from the general public.
Therefore, the Authority issued a show-cause notice to GEPCO under Section 27B of the NEPRA Act, 1997 and later provided an opportunity of hearing to GEPCO. Based on the evidence available on record, submissions of GEPCO and relevant provisions of the laws, rules and regulations; the Authority concluded that GEPCO has failed to discharge its statutory obligations to maintain safety standards as laid down in the relevant laws, code and manual.
Therefore, the Authority imposed a fine of Rs. 21 million on GEPCO. The Authority has also noticed that GEPCO has given compensation of Rs. 4 million to the family of its employee who lost his life in an electrocution accident, however, no compensation has been given to the families of seven deceased persons from the general public.
The Authority has directed GEPCO to compensate the families of the deceased from the general public equal to the amount given to the family of the deceased employee and provide documentary evidence of the same. The Authority has also directed GEPCO to provide a job to the next of kin of each of the deceased families.
Source: Pro Pakistani