KARACHI: The K-Electric has said uncoordinated digging in the metropolis remained one of the leading causes of unplanned power outages.

According to a statement issued here on Thursday, KE reported 1,935 unplanned outages in FY26 alone due to uncoordinated digging of city roads and streets.

It said 456 incidents involved unknown parties, indicating a gap in coordination before excavation work. “Such damage not only disrupts electricity supply to surrounding communities and businesses but also poses serious safety hazards for workers and the public,” it added.

A KE spokesperson said: “There are established protocols to facilitate coordination among utilities and civic agencies. Outages caused by damage to underground cables are more complex, require specialised teams and have longer resolution times. Verification of underground utility routes before digging can significantly reduce accidents, damage, and disruption to power supply.”

KE has urged civic agencies, contractors, private developers and the public to coordinate with relevant utility providers prior to any excavation.

“In a dense urban environment like Karachi where power, water, gas and telecom networks run beneath roads and public spaces, adherence to these protocols is critical to safeguard workers, residents and continuity of essential services,” it added.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2026