Electricity is one of the most crucial elements of modern-day living. From powering our homes and businesses to supporting critical infrastructure, electricity has become an integral part of our lives. Pakistan has come a long way in the electricity sector, and the evolution of MEPCO (Multan Electric Power Company) is a testament to this growth.
In this article, we’ll delve into the history of MEPCO and explore how it has helped shape the electricity industry in Pakistan.
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History of MEPCO
MEPCO was established in 1998 under the Companies Ordinance 1984. It is one of the 10 distribution companies (DISCOs) that operate in Pakistan and is responsible for the distribution of electricity in 13 districts of South Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan. MEPCO is owned by the Government of Pakistan and is regulated by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
The Early Years In the early years, MEPCO faced numerous challenges, including theft and non-payment of bills. The company also struggled to provide electricity to remote and rural areas. However, despite these challenges, MEPCO continued to expand its operations, and by 2003, it had installed 1.8 million smart meters.
Privatization of MEPCO
In 2004, the Government of Pakistan decided to privatize MEPCO along with other DISCOs to increase efficiency and reduce losses. However, the privatization process faced numerous delays, and it wasn’t until 2010 that the government managed to privatize the company. The new owners were tasked with improving the efficiency of the company and reducing losses.
Expansion of MEPCO
Following privatization, MEPCO continued to expand its operations and made significant investments in upgrading its infrastructure. In 2015, MEPCO installed a new grid station in Multan, which increased the company’s capacity by 100 MW. The company also invested in upgrading its transmission and distribution networks to improve the reliability of the electricity supply.
Challenges Faced by MEPCO
Despite the significant progress made by MEPCO over the years, the company continues to face numerous challenges. Theft and non-payment of bills remain a significant problem, and the company is also struggling to provide electricity to remote and rural areas. In addition, MEPCO faces a shortage of trained personnel, which affects the company’s ability to maintain its infrastructure.
Future Outlook for MEPCO
MEPCO has set ambitious targets for the future, including reducing losses and increasing its revenue. The company plans to achieve this by improving its infrastructure, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and reducing theft and non-payment of bills. MEPCO is also looking to expand its operations and provide electricity to more remote and rural areas.