ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs50 million on K-Electric (KE) Ltd after holding it responsible for 19 of the 35 deaths from electrocution in July-August in Karachi amid heavy rains.

The regulator also ordered the power utility to ensure complete earthing and grounding of its distribution system by April 2020 and submit a compliance report with third party verification.

Nepra said it also considered the submissions of the KE to give reasonable compensation to the bereaved families in good faith and that details of such compensation paid to the families of the victims should be shared with it in due course of time. The regulator said the KE was required to “fulfill its commitments to provide compensation to the bereaved families at the earliest and provide documentary evidence”.

As Karachi experienced heavy rainfall from July 29 to July 31 and then again between Aug 10 and Aug 12, Nepra took notice of the media reports that scores of people had lost their lives from electrocution amid showers.

The regulator then started formal investigations into the deaths of 35 people and prolonged suspensions of power supply.

Power utility likely to seek review of regulator’s decision

Among other violations of the terms and conditions of KE’s licence and Nepra laws, the investigation revealed that 19 fatalities occurred due to lack of earthing of low-tension and high-tension (LT/HT) poles and leakage of current from the distribution facilities of the KE.

Therefore, the regulator decided to initiate legal proceedings against the power utility and a show-cause notice was issued to the KE under Sections 27-B and 28 of the Nepra Act, 1997. The KE was also given an opportunity of hearing. Based on the evidence available on record, submissions of the KE, and relevant provisions of the laws, the regulator finally passed an order for imposition of fine.

In its order, Nepra observed that the KE had failed to discharge its statutory obligation to maintain safety standards and ensure that distribution facilities do not cause leakage of electric current. Design of distribution network of the KE also did not meet the requirements as laid down in the relevant code and manual, the regulator said.

Moreover, the KE allowed telephone, TV and internet cable operators to use its distribution network in a hazardous manner for their purposes. Further, the KE failed to report fatalities immediately after occurrence to the regulator in a prescribed manner and also failed to restore supply of electricity within the prescribed time limits.

Therefore, the regulator imposed Rs50m fine on the KE, directing the power utility to complete earthing and grounding of its distribution system by April 2020 and to carry out third party verification of its distribution system. The KE was also directed to complete its internal investigation, fix responsibilities on its employees and management, and submit a final report to Nepra in this regard.

KE spokesperson Khayyam Siddiqi said the utility would seek a review of Nepra’s latest decision. He said the company would review the Nepra order in detail and submit an appropriate reply, as it was a law-abiding and responsible organisation, complying with all respective regulations and guidelines and providing safe and reliable power supply to its customers.

The spokesperson claimed that there were a number of primary and underlying external factors compromising the integrity of the power infrastructure. These include illegal kundas, unauthorised use of power infrastructure by cable TV and internet service providers and standing water around electricity infrastructure. These factors bypass electrical safety mechanisms, thus creating public safety hazards.

The threat to public safety and increased accidents due to these factors are well-acknowledged in this region, resulting in multiple drives to remove them from the power infrastructure. One example is to shift these cables underground.

Following the urban flooding caused by unprecedented rains, the KE filed a constitutional petition in Sindh High Court in October against cable TV and internet companies, the city administration, municipal bodies and relevant regulators, the spokesperson added.

The KE said the power infrastructure was continuously being encroached upon by cable TV and internet service providers.

The power utility had requested the city administration and relevant civic bodies to ensure action against encroachments in Karachi. At the same time, it said, there was also a need to address issues, including swift drainage of rainwater around power infrastructure and support in combating illegal connections and unwarranted use of the infrastructure.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2019