Latest news with #LESCO
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Anti-competitive practices in power sector: CCP raids on offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders
ISLAMABAD: In a major enforcement action to curb anti-competitive practices in the power sector, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) conducted simultaneous raids on the offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders for the supply of transformer reclamation material to power distribution companies (DISCOs). The coordinated raids were carried out by CCP's authorised officers in Lahore and Gujranwala, targeting suppliers who are alleged to have colluded in manipulating the bidding process. These companies were found to be quoting identical prices and engaging in tender rotation — a classic hallmark of cartel behaviour. The action follows a formal complaint lodged by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which observed suspicious bidding patterns in recent procurement cycles. LESCO reported that multiple firms submitted bids with identical rates for various items, raising red flags regarding possible collusion. In response, the CCP initiated a formal enquiry under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits agreements that restrict competition, including bid rigging under Section 4(2)(e). A preliminary analysis of the bidding data revealed that certain companies appeared to be coordinating their bids to ensure pre-determined outcomes in tender awards. In some cases, these suppliers were found rotating their wins while maintaining price parity, thereby undermining the competitive tendering process and harming public procurement efficiency. This is not the first time CCP has uncovered such practices in the transformer materials market. In 2020, the Commission concluded a similar enquiry involving bid rigging by multiple vendors supplying transformer bushings and reclamation items to DISCOs, including LESCO, MEPCO, and GEPCO. In that case, CCP found collusion among at least five firms, and imposed significant penalties. The recurrence of such practices underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the public procurement mechanisms of the power sector and the need for stronger oversight by procuring agencies. If the ongoing investigation confirms collusive conduct, the Commission is empowered to issue show-cause notices to the implicated firms and proceed with hearings. Upon establishing contravention, CCP may impose penalties of up to 10% of annual turnover or PKR 75 million, whichever is higher. In addition, the Commission can recommend structural or behavioural remedies to prevent recurrence and restore market integrity. The CCP has urged the public, including procurement officers, business insiders, and concerned citizens, to come forward with credible information about cartelization or bid rigging. The Commission's Whistleblower Reward Scheme offers cash rewards ranging from PKR 200,000 to PKR 2 million, based on the quality and value of the information provided. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Punjab activates monsoon emergency plan as heavy rain lashes Lahore
LAHORE: A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by torrential rain swept through Lahore and its surrounding areas, finally bringing relief from the intense humidity that had gripped the region. The storm hit several key areas of the city including Shimla Pahari, Abbott Road, Davis Road, Mall Road, Shadman, Gulberg, Scheme Moor, Mughalpura, Dharampura, Airport, Muslim Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Wahdat Road, Mustafa Town, and Yateem Khana, making the weather significantly pleasant. However, the severe weather conditions also disrupted the power supply as strong winds and rain affected the electricity transmission system. As many as 178 LESCO feeders tripped, leaving numerous areas without electricity. In response to the monsoon challenges, the Punjab government has initiated the implementation of its monsoon emergency plan. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered real-time updates on the plan's execution and instructed the establishment of District Emergency Operation Centers in every district, which will remain operational 24/7. According to the Punjab government spokesperson, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued detailed safety protocols to prevent accidents and damages. The Chief Minister also directed local administrations to identify dangerous buildings and urged residents of dilapidated homes to relocate to safer locations as a precaution. Maryam Nawaz emphasized full preparedness of all Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, rescue teams, and other departments. She appealed to the public to strictly follow safety guidelines during the rainy season, reiterating that protecting lives was the government's top priority. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a countrywide alert forecasting heavy rainfall.
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
LESCO launches major initiative to curb power theft
LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has embarked on a massive project to curb electricity theft using advanced software and smart metering technology. As part of the initiative, the LESCO has ordered the replacement of billing meters for 2,200 industrial consumers. The company has begun installing smart meters to detect and prevent electricity theft. The smart meters will send signals to the control room in case of any tampering or theft attempt, enabling the LESCO to take prompt action. Key Features included real-time monitoring, remote disconnection, and improved billing. Under this arrangement, smart meters will enable real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, allowing the LESCO to detect any anomalies or theft attempts. In case of non-payment of bills, the control room can remotely disconnect the consumer's electricity supply. Smart meters will ensure accurate billing, reducing disputes and revenue losses. The installation of smart meters has begun in LESCO's Northern and Eastern circles. Chief Engineer Design Nisar Sarwar has been tasked with overseeing the project and meeting the targets. The smart metering solution is expected to significantly reduce electricity theft, improve billing efficiency, and enhance revenue collection. It will also enable LESCO to provide better services to its consumers and improve the overall quality of electricity supply. By adopting advanced technology, the LESCO is taking a proactive approach to tackle electricity theft and improve its operations. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the company's revenue and overall performance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI slams govt over 'bad economy, load-shedding'
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday lambasted the federal government over the worsening electricity crisis, economic mismanagement and a growing assault on constitutional rights. In a joint press conference held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, senior PTI leaders, including Sheikh Waqas Akram, Shibli Faraz, Omar Ayub and Taimur Jhagra, blasted the government. Referring to the controversial February 8 elections, former provincial minister Taimur Jhagra warned the public not to forget how the current coalition government led by the PML-N and PPP came into power. He said electricity tariffs under the present administration have become massively expensive compared to the previous PTI government. "Where there used to be just a few hours of loadshedding in Punjab, now people are enduring outages lasting over 12 hours. In K-P, the temperature has hit 46 degrees Celsius and there is still no respite from prolonged power cuts," he said. He dismissed the government's economic claims as "fabricated figures", arguing that it had failed to protect even the most basic rights of ordinary citizens. "From agriculture to industry, all sectors are in decline. The required electricity supply is simply not reaching those who need it most," he said. Jhagra also drew comparisons with regional competitors, lamenting, "Today, Bangladesh is miles ahead of us in the power sector." He criticised the government's plans to privatise only three distribution companies – LESCO, FESCO and IESCO – asking, "What national benefit can come from selectively privatising just three utilities?" He said over six million people in the former FATA region remain without electricity access, and no one in government has taken responsibility. "The K-P budget has been presented. Let the people see for themselves what makes the difference," he said, referring to the provincial government's unveiling of the budget with a total outlay of Rs2,119bn for the fiscal year 2025-26, a day ago. Jhagra also protested that PTI leaders were being denied meetings with the incarcerated party founder, Imran Khan, questioning under what law or constitutional provision such restrictions were being imposed. Electricity shortfall Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Waqas Akram lamented that the country was facing a growing shortfall between electricity demand and supply. "The situation in rural areas is especially dire. Loadshedding in K-P and Balochistan now spans 12 to 18 hours daily. Even in Punjab, there is a minimum of four hours of outages," he said. He slammed the utility privatisation narrative, saying, "Go ahead and privatise FESCO if you wish, but what about improving the performance of LESCO, IESCO and others?" Akram also raised alarm over the treatment of political prisoners, particularly those held in Kot Lakhpat military trials. "These prisoners are being subjected to political vengeance. In this heat, they are being denied their basic rights, including the right to appeal," he said. Senior leader Shibli Faraz stressed the power sector's centrality to the economy. "Electricity is the engine that drives our economy. Our power sector is vast but has seen no meaningful development in recent years," he said, accusing PML-N and PPP of damaging the sector. "Today, there are long hours of loadshedding in most major cities. When there's only one buyer for your power company, problems are inevitable. We introduced competition in the power sector during our tenure," he added. Faraz also highlighted the growing burden of circular debt and unpaid dues of petroleum and power companies. Omar Ayub said his speech during the federal budget session was deliberately taken off air. "Even WiFi access was suspended during the session. They feared I would hold up a mirror to their failures," he claimed. He noted that international markets are becoming unstable due to the Israel-Iran conflict, which could severely disrupt oil supplies. "If this war continues, the country's Rs6.5 trillion deficit could worsen. Iran, a key oil hub, exports to Japan, Europe and others. Any disruption there will impact us all," he warned. Ayub accused the current government of shelving PTI-era power projects and said the nation had access to significantly cheaper electricity during PTI's rule.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
14 perish as massive storms pummel Punjab
As hail hammers down, a man scrambles to protect his car, mirroring scenes from the last tempest that left citizens in Islamabad counting heavy losses. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Nature unleashed its wrath on Saturday as a sudden onslaught of storms and fierce winds tore through several cities, leaving at least 14 dead and over 92 injured in Punjab alone. The violent weather threw daily life into chaos, grounding flights, snapping power lines and prompting rain emergencies across multiple urban centres. According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, the fatalities occurred in Rawalpindi (1), Jhelum (2), Sheikhupura (1), Nankana Sahib (1), Lahore (3), Layyah (1), Jhang (1) and Sialkot (1), mostly due to the collapse of dilapidated structures and falling debris. Multiple mud houses were also damaged in storm-hit areas, the PDMA confirmed. Rescue operations were ramped up across Punjab, with Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directing all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122, to remain on high alert. "Affected families will receive financial compensation under the Punjab government's policy," PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said, adding that all district emergency operation centres and the provincial control room have been activated for round-the-clock monitoring. Kathia urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, stay clear of power poles and hanging wires and ensure children do not venture near damaged buildings. "During lightning and storm activity, stay indoors and off rooftops," he advised. In case of emergencies, citizens were urged to contact PDMA via helpline 1129. Flight disruptions The storm severely impacted flight operations at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. Several flights were either delayed, diverted, or cancelled due to strong winds and low visibility. A Karachi-bound private airline flight was rerouted to Multan, while flights arriving from Skardu (PK-454) and Guangzhou (CZ-6037) were cancelled. Another incoming flight from Karachi (9P-84) returned to its point of origin mid-air. Flights departing for Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur experienced delays, while three domestic flights to Karachi were also held up. However, as weather conditions improved later in the day, air traffic resumed. Air traffic controllers cleared both domestic and international flights for landing and takeoff. LESCO alert In the wake of the severe storm, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) declared a red alert across its network. Field teams were dispatched to restore electricity in affected areas. "The storm caused significant stress on the grid," LESCO CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt said. Butt was present at the control room alongside GM Operations Ijaz Bhatti and senior engineers. Materials were dispatched from stores to aid repair work, and Butt vowed to remain in the control room until power was restored to the last affected consumer. Meanwhile, the Motorway Police reported intense storms and overcast skies across sections of M-4, M-5 and the National Highway. Light showers and strong winds were reported from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem and from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan. Similar conditions were seen from Lahore to Chichawatni and onward to Lodhran. Authorities urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid speeding. A special public awareness campaign on safe driving during storms is currently being run by the Motorway Police in Central Region. K-P Similarly, the PDMA in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa issued an alert forecasting rain and thunderstorms in most districts, including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat and Waziristan. The inclement weather is expected to continue intermittently through Sunday (today). Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant, ensure the availability of machinery for debris clearance, and issue safety advisories in local languages. Farmers have been advised to factor in weather conditions while planning activities, and tourists have been urged to check updates before traveling. The PDMA helpline 1700 remains active for public assistance. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the storm marked a dramatic end to an extended heatwave. By late morning, dark clouds engulfed the skies and strong winds swept through the twin cities, followed by heavy rain and hailstorms. Temperatures dropped significantly, and power outages were reported in several areas. A rain emergency was declared in Rawalpindi to manage the aftermath.
