Following a survey that revealed nine fatalities in its jurisdiction during the fiscal year 2022–2023, the Public Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) fined the Gujranwala Electric Power Organization (GEPCO) Rs23 million. Nepra initiated the investigation after discovering eight fatal accidents that resulted in these fatalities: three employees and six members of the public. This data revealed a distressing lack of a security culture across GEPCO’s operations. The licensee dismissed the protection against the show cause dated August 30, 2023, after Nepra discovered in its study that GEPCO had not sufficiently addressed concerns about a safe place to be. The penalty reflects Nepra Fines GEPCO’s disobedience of the Nepra Act, the agreements in its appropriation permit, and many execution standards and rules.
Nepra Fines GEPCO Orders Victim Compensation
Particularly, Nepra said that although GEPCO provides job placements for the kin of employees involved in tragic occurrences and pays Rs4 million to their families, it did not provide the same level of assistance to the relatives of fatalities of the general public. To guarantee that the families of the six public victims receive fair compensation and employment possibilities for their remaining family members, Nepra has directed GEPCO to align its compensation standards. GEPCO must submit verifiable proof of compliance to the regulatory body within two months. In addition, GEPCO must ensure that Nepra’s designated bank receives the Rs23 million fine within 15 days, and it must send a copy to the Registrar’s Office. Recovery actions under Section 41 of Nepra could follow non-compliance.
NEPRA’s investigation.
Serious flaws in safety procedures and regulatory compliance were found during NEPRA’s inquiry into the recent deaths connected to GEPCO. The authority concluded that although GEPCO paid compensation to the families of workers who died in accidents, it did not offer the same assistance to the families of fatalities who were members of the public. NEPRA ordered GEPCO to harmonize its compensation practices to provide fair treatment for all impacted families as a result of this discrepancy. The study also made clear that to stop similar events in the future, the corporation needs to enhance its safety protocols and responsibilities. NEPRA has thus levied a hefty punishment and established stringent compliance timelines on GEPCO to resolve these problems.
GEPCO Given Deadlines Following Rs23 Million Fine
Within two months, GEPCO must submit verifiable proof of compliance to the regulatory body. In addition, Nepra’s designated bank must receive the Rs23 million fine within 15 days, and a copy must be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Recovery actions under Section 41 of the Nepra Act and other legal repercussions could follow noncompliance. This decision emphasizes the need for better safety measures to safeguard workers and the general public, as well as Nepra’s dedication to maintaining responsibility within the power industry.
Conclusion :
Following a review that revealed nine fatalities within its jurisdiction during the fiscal year 2022-2023, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) imposed a substantial fine of Rs23 million on the Gujranwala Electric Power Organization (GEPCO). NEPRA’s investigation uncovered GEPCO’s negligence of the NEPRA Act and other implementation norms, highlighting significant deficiencies in safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
