KARACHI: In response to reports about power situation in Karachi and adjoining areas, the K-Electric maintains that there loadshedding plan ‘is the same’ as announced and implemented in March 2023.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, “The company conducts periodic assessments of its feeders for losses and recoveries which becomes the basis of the loadshed plan. As of now, over 70pc of KE’s network receives constant power supply. The remainder are areas where electricity is stolen and bills against actual consumption remain unpaid, yet the company continues to supply power to these regions for 14 hours a day.

“Of course, the company does not operate in a vacuum and amid the current macroeconomic conditions and expensive fuel, provision of free electricity is not possible where recoveries are low, and losses remain on the higher side. The KE also regularly organises customer facilitation and recovery camps in Karachi to facilitate customers. When the recovery profile of an area improves, power supply gets better in parallel. It is also pertinent to mention that cost of electricity for consumers is set by the government of Pakistan under the uniform tariff policy which is applicable across the country.

“It is pertinent to note as well that loadshed and maintenance shutdowns were suspended during the Eid days and consistent supply was ensured. The claim made through the public statement is factually incorrect and does not represent the truth. Engaging in a sensationalised debate to score points by creating the brouhaha based on improper facts and blurring on-ground realities is counterproductive and serves no one,” the KE says in its statement.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2023