PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is incurring massive financial losses of approximately Rs583 million per day due to widespread electricity theft and outdated infrastructure, according to a report by the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO).
According to report, over the last 11 months alone, the province has suffered losses amounting to Rs193.4 billion.
Bannu district topped the list with the highest percentage of power loss at 73.86%, translating into Rs11.74 billion in losses. Other districts, including Tank, Karak, and Charsadda, also recorded alarmingly high losses. While Peshawar showed a relatively lower percentage loss, it accounted for the largest monetary loss of Rs51.44 billion due to its higher energy consumption and dense population.
The report attributed the ongoing crisis to political interference and inadequate cooperation from local administrations. PESCO officials further highlighted that the decades-old power infrastructure hinders effective monitoring and regulation of electricity usage.
Districts like Dera Ismail Khan, Mardan, and Nowshera also contributed significantly to the total loss, whereas Battagram and Haripur reported minimal losses of around 13% and 11%, respectively.
PESCO has called for immediate reforms, including the upgrading of transmission systems and stronger enforcement mechanisms. The utility stressed that without political commitment and active local support, economic losses in the power sector will persist.
