Nepra initiates formal probe against K-Electric over electrocution deaths, outages

Tahir Sherani Published August 17, 2019

A large number of fatal and non-fatal accidents occurred due to electrocution during the past month. — Reuters/File

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Saturday announced that it has initiated a formal investigation against K-Electric over electrocution incidents in Karachi during the current monsoon season.

"Senior Nepra officers have been appointed as investigating officers in the matter and a time frame of 15 days has been given for concluding the investigation," read a press release issued by the authority.

During the past month, Karachi experienced widespread monsoon rains that wreaked havoc on the city's infrastructure due to urban flooding and water accumulation.

A large number of fatal and non-fatal incidents occurred due to electrocution and prolonged power outages were experienced in large parts of the metropolis.

"These prima facie facts indicate possible violations of Nepra-administered laws, codes, standards and other applicable documents by K-Electric," the authority said.

Taking cognisance of the incidents, the regulatory body ordered a formal investigation under section 27A of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997, against K-Electric to ascertain "the underlying facts leading to the fatal and non-fatal accidents".

The authority will also determine whether any violation or non-compliance of law has been committed by the power utility that caused loss of lives and suspension of power supply to consumers.

Pakistan

Tahir Sherani is an Islamabad-based reporter for Dawn News (TV) with 16 years of experience. His coverage focuses on the national economy, energy, cabinet affairs, the Establishment Division, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

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Monsoon safety

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M. Saeed

Aug 17, 2019 07:54pm

The cobwebs of power distribution wires are the obvious death traps that should be properly encased in safety covers.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Aug 17, 2019 08:32pm

Too little, too late since the lost precious lives of the helpless and hapless people due to electrocution could never be brought back.

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Philosopher (from Japan)

Aug 17, 2019 08:54pm

I guess end result null multiply by null is equal to null and void.

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Solomon The King

Aug 17, 2019 08:56pm

No use, K-Electric manager are think, they will pay the fine and start harassing customers again. Interesting thing is that when there is almost 8 hours loadshedding and when there is not- my electric bills amounts the same. I dont know how they work? K-Electric is a profit-earning entity now and still they claim money from the federal govt as compensation

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Aug 17, 2019 09:15pm

Just some paperwork to appease the higher-ups. The third-class infrastructure and management policies of K-Electric is no secret and is experienced in every corner of the city especially in the middle to lower class areas.

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SHAHID SATTAR

Aug 17, 2019 09:21pm

Among the first and foremost matters to be considered are the following: 1) Whether the utility sold the Copper Wire laid through out the city of Karachi during the past few years and for what reasons? Whether the use of Aluminum Wire has contributed to the rise in the numbers of death of the citizens through electrocution? 2) Who is responsible for this crime and when will they be caught and persecuted?

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Gordon D. Walker

Aug 17, 2019 09:23pm

Justice, hopefully, for close relatives of the deceased. Condolences... Gordon D. Walker Canada

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Syed A. Mateen

Aug 17, 2019 10:21pm

Deaths during rain in Karachi may have different causes but by electrocution on roads are direct responsibility of K-Electric due to which precious human lives could not be saved. K-Electric cannot prove that every electric pole in the city has been given proper earthing wire for the protection of the people. In modern cities electric poles right from top to bottom is covered with high quality of rubber so that it case of rain if some one touch the electric pole by mistake he or she should not die. Though K-Electric make tall claims that the company has invested lot of money after taking over the previously known KESC but K-Electric investment is not visible to its consumers. On the other hand it is know to all the K-Electric has sold the copper wires and all electricity overhead lines have been changed with low quality steel wires. If investment by K-Electric is made then why there is frequent load-shedding of electricity and why the transformers got tripped every now and then.

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Tariq

Aug 17, 2019 10:35pm

KE or any other organization must me made responsible as recent fatalities related to electricity are alarming high. Not only KE should compensate financially but also needed to check how they had made their system safe like in other part of the world.

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Truth

Aug 18, 2019 12:20am

Fix the infrastructure. The rest will fall in place. No use blaming when the foundation is weak!

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FAU

Aug 18, 2019 02:31am

Once investigation is complete, we need strict action!

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Changez Khan

Aug 18, 2019 07:12am

Prosecute the management and lock them up.

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hussain

Aug 18, 2019 02:55pm

More than 50 People have been death and more than 800 animals have been killed in Karachi by Electric current due to unsafe distribution of electricity but there is no urgency from the Supreme Court and Prime minster to take notice of the incidents and help poor people to file FIR against K-Electric and stop killing of innocents citizen. Are they waiting for the figure go in thousands before they get wake up? When will they wake up and when will they go to Karachi and meet the family of victims. Very Sad .......... Not even all big news paper covering such big issues because they get millions of Rupees for the advertisement from K-Electric

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