ISLAMABAD: As many as 196 fatal accidents were occurred in all power distribution companies (DISCOs) during fiscal year 2021-22 as compared to 189 accidents in financial year 2020-21.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority in its State of Industry report also observed that DISCOs were unable to implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs) about safety measures due to which the fatal accidents had been occurred during said period.
The regulatory has also published the safety booklet for the field staff to facilitate the DISCOs, which is a big step towards saving the life of the valuable resource of the distribution companies.
An amount of Rs483.5 million fine has been imposed upon the DISCOs for the fatal accidents and companies have been directed to compensate the families of the deceased on account of fatal accidents that occurred due to their negligence and non-compliance to the relevant standards.
The Apex Court, in 2020 SCMR 1,488 titled ‘Naimutullah Khan Advocate and others vs Federation of Pakistan and others’ has also directed that K-Electric to ensure and take all steps that in future no electrocution at all takes place to the residents of Karachi.
In case any such incident occurs, the CEO and other officers of KE shall be taken to task and the exceptional amount of damages shall be recovered from them, the court further said in its decision.
Although the observation in the referred case relates to KE however, the fundamental principles may equally be applicable in cases of the DISCOs, the regulatory pointed out.
Therefore, DISCOs need to be more careful and ensure all necessary steps to avoid fatal accidents in their respective areas.
