ISLAMABAD: One of Pakistan’s most underperforming power distribution companies, the Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), has launched an internal inquiry into the reported theft of sensitive billing data from its computer systems during the recent Eid holidays—despite the presence of on-site security personnel.
According to sources, the theft involved eight computer processors and RAM modules from the company’s WAPDA Computer Centre (WCC), located at the Al-Sehra building in Sukkur. The stolen equipment reportedly contained vital billing information, and the incident has raised alarm over potential data loss that could cost the company billions of rupees, particularly through the removal of defaulters or records of electricity theft.
An inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the breach. However, concerns have surfaced about the committee’s composition, which includes only junior-level SEPCO officials, rather than representatives from an independent or third-party body. Insiders suggest this approach may be an attempt to downplay or obscure the gravity of the issue.
The committee has been directed to examine the circumstances leading to the theft, assess existing security arrangements, identify procedural and administrative lapses, and determine whether any negligence occurred on the part of staff. It is also tasked with recommending appropriate disciplinary action against those responsible, and proposing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite repeated attempts, SEPCO CEO Aijaz Ahmed Channa did not respond to queries seeking an update on the investigation or the potential exposure of sensitive billing data.
SEPCO is one of the ex-WAPDA power distribution companies. Market data for FY 2023–24 shows its electricity consumption breakdown as follows: residential – 48.2%, commercial – 7.3%, industrial – 17.1%*, agricultural – 3.5%, public lighting – 9.4%, bulk supply – 6.6%, general services – 8.0%, and others – 0.02%.
The company recorded a growth rate of 2–3% annually. However, SEPCO also reported Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses of 34.9%, with a billed amount of Rs 110.42 billion and recoveries amounting to Rs 73.51 billion. Average combined losses were reported at 56.66%. At the close of FY 2023–24, receivables stood at Rs 229.93 billion, including Rs 42 billion owed by the federal and provincial governments.
Last month, the Power Division expressed serious concern over the deteriorating performance of SEPCO and the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Leghari, criticized both entities for failing to reduce line losses, even as other distribution companies showed improvements. He attributed the stagnation partly to political interference, particularly by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which he claimed had stalled the replacement of SEPCO and HESCO’s boards. He also noted that HESCO’s acting CEO continued in office despite ministry recommendations for a replacement.
Meanwhile, SEPCO has submitted a request to modify its distribution licence, citing provisions under the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Act, 2018. The company argues that the supply function is now governed by a separate licence and has proposed amendments to exclude the supply role from its existing distribution licence. It has further suggested that the terms of both licences be aligned and reissued simultaneously for a 20-year period to ensure business continuity. Ends
