KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed NEPRA to carry out a technical survey of K-Electric infrastructure amid rising public concern over prolonged power outages in Karachi.
The order came during a hearing on a petition filed against persistent and unannounced load-shedding across the city. Citizens, particularly in areas with consistent bill payments, have faced electricity shortages for up to 18 hours daily, sparking outrage.
K-Electric, Karachi’s sole power distributor, told the court that 70% of its system is not under load-shedding. The company blamed electricity theft and technical faults in specific areas for the ongoing crisis. It also claimed to have invested over $4 billion since its privatization, resulting in a 50% reduction in distribution losses and a larger consumer base.
However, the court expressed serious doubts about the effectiveness of these infrastructure upgrades. Justice Faisal Kamal Alam questioned both K-Electric’s performance and NEPRA’s oversight, noting that improvements have not reached many paying consumers.
NEPRA’s legal team informed the court that a fine of Rs. 20 million had been imposed on K-Electric. But the court dismissed this as an insufficient response to a growing public problem.
Following the court’s directive, NEPRA is now expected to conduct a thorough technical review. A K-Electric spokesperson confirmed the company’s willingness to cooperate with the regulator, stating, “KE will support NEPRA’s technical team during the survey process.”
The findings of the NEPRA survey of K-Electric infrastructure will be presented at the next hearing, scheduled for August 12. This step is being seen as crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in Karachi’s power sector.
With summer temperatures rising, public frustration is growing. Many are now looking to the courts and regulators for effective solutions to the city’s electricity crisis.
For more details on the court’s response to Karachi’s power crisis, read the full report here.
