In response to protests against high electricity bills, the gov­ernment is cracking down on electricity theft, with millions of units stolen across the country. While this crackdown provides short-term relief, experts empha­sise the need for structural re­forms in the power sector. A report highlights that power companies lack modern tools to combat theft, and line losses due to various issues further exacer­bate the problem. Despite plans to hand over distribution companies (DISCOs) to provinces, resistance persists, burdening taxpayers. To ensure lasting solutions, the government must invest in ener­gy distribution, reduce line losses, and control theft.

Source: The Nation September 13, 2023 00:35 UTC