DefinePK

Abstract

This study investigates the socioeconomic, administrative, and service quality\ndeterminants of electricity theft in Pakistan. The effect of service quality standards on\nelectricity theft is estimated using panel data fr om eight electricity distribution utilities\nfrom 2006 to 2018. The results of utilizing the One step system Generalized Method of\nMoments estimator confirm the statistically significant impact of social, administrative,\nand service quality variables on the illegal use of electricity. Based on the findings,\nPakistan's National Electric Power Regulatory Authority is advised to take measures to\nimprove the quality of services. In contrast, the nation’s Central Power Purchasing Agency\nis advised to improve administrative structure by separating retail function from\ndistribution by electric distribution.