Clarification

This refers to the letter ‘Karachi power crisis’ (October 6, 2024) by Maha Adnan. We at K-Electric (KE) understand the sentiment about electricity costs and would like to clarify that the tariffs charged to customers are determined by the government and regulators. However, we have recently introduced a pioneering Star Reward Programme, offering discounts in healthcare and lifestyle categories to those customers paying their bills regularly each month. Such initiatives stem from an understanding of our customer’s concerns and a genuine desire to address them within our capacity.

Investments since privatization have enabled our network to improve and 70 per cent receives uninterrupted electricity today. Loadshedding durations have been contained to a maximum of 10 hours only in those areas where bills are unpaid or electricity theft is high. We are working closely with the customers and area representatives to improve power reliability and are seeking community support to address the challenges together through collaboration. Additionally, we have a $2 billion plan to improve the reliability of the power supply to Karachi over the next seven years and are aiming at doubling renewable energy generation, having secured Pakistan’s lowest bid for renewable projects.

KE Spokesperson

Karachi