KARACHI, Jan 15: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) chairman, Lt Gen (Retd) Saeeduz Zafar, has asked KESC management to expedite Hubco-KESC linkup with the federal government and the WAPDA to overcome 1000MW power shortage in Karachi.

Saeeduz Zafar issued these directives while visiting the KESC head office here on Thursday. He was accompanied, among others, by a Nepra member Fazalullah Qureshi.

KESC Managing Director Brig Tariq Saddozai gave a detailed presentation on KESC performance with reference to the Financial Improvement Plan (FIP). The KESC is implementing the FIP to make the corporation a profitable organization by the year 2006.

Brig Saddozai welcomed the latest Nepra decision of tariff cut for power consumers of Karachi and explained that since the KESC was implementing the FIP and meeting the targets, it would not seek any tariff raise from the Nepra.

The Nepra chairman was appreciative of the recent improvement being brought about by KESC management in power supply position in the city, customer services and recovery of dues to make the corporation financially viable.

"We are encouraged to note the efforts being made by the KESC," Saeeduz Zafar added. He said that the Nepra would pursue the matter to meet the annual increase in power demand of Karachi. -APP