WHILE K-Electric (KE) seems a little too bothered by the lack of payment recovery, when it comes to electricity theft, the utility simply looks the other way. It should be the one controlling the theft and expediting the recovery process. But it has chosen to stay in the background and force the paying consumers to both pay and suffer.

KE has officially stated that areas with higher power theft face up to 10 hours of loadshedding. However, the reality on the ground paints a more distressing picture, with some neighbourhoods enduring 14-16 hours of daily power outages. This is not only unbearable in this sweltering heat, but also deeply unfair to law-abiding, bill-paying citizens who are punished for the crimes of others in their vicinity.

Adding to the frustration, the once-efficient KE complaint lodging system via WhatsApp is now dysfunctional. Consumers are prompted through a series of automated steps only to be sent back to the beginning. No complaint is registered, and no confirmation is received. One is left to wonder if this is a deliberate move to suppress the number of lodged complaints, possibly to present a favourable image before the regulatory bodies.

KE, being the sole power supplier to Karachi, must take responsibility not only for equitable power distribution, but also for ensuring that its grievance redressal system remains accessible and transparent.

Penalising the paying customers and limiting their ability to voice concerns is unjust and unacceptable.

Is there somebody who can investigate the matter, audit KE’s complaint system, and ensure fair treatment for all con-sumers, especially those who fulfil their civic responsibility by paying their dues?

Imran
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2025