Islamabad December 26 2021: NEPRA has imposed a fine of Rupees Twenty One (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 (08) out of the total thirteen (13) fatalities occurred due to GEPCO’s negligence. These fatalities included 01 GEPCO’s employee and 07 persons from the general public.
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Therefore, the Authority issued a Show Cause notice to GEPCO on 02.09.2021 under Section 27B of the NEPRA Act, 1997 and later provided an opportunity of hearing to GEPCO on 13.10.2021. 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.
The Authority has therefore, 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 these electrocution accidents, however, no compensation has been given to the families of seven (07) deceased persons from the general public. The Authority has therefore, 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 (Rs. 4 million) and documentary evidence of the same shall be shared with the Authority. The Authority has also directed GEPCO to provide a job to the next of kin of each of the deceased family.
