KE and safety issues

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has found K-Electric wanting in ensuring safety of people on several counts and has imposed a fine of Rs50 million on the utility supplying power to Karachi. An inquiry by the regulator has established that 19 deaths had occurred due to lack of earthing of low/high tension poles and leakage of current from the distribution system of KE. A number of people had died from electrocution during the monsoon rains in Karachi in July and August this year. Nepra had started a probe against KE in August and September and has come to the conclusion that the power suppliers were responsible for 19 of the 35 deaths. The regulator said the power utility had failed to fulfil “its statutory obligation to maintain safety standards” and the terms and conditions of its licence.

Nepra has ordered KE to complete earthing and grounding of its distribution network by April 2020 and carry out third-party verification of the work. It has ordered the power utility to complete an internal inquiry and fix the responsibility of its employees/management and submit its final report to it. It has ordered KE to share details of the compensation paid to the families of those who died of electrocution. The inquiry has found that the design of the distribution network of KE does not meet the requirements as laid down in the relevant Code and Manual. The inquiry report says KE allowed telephone/TV /internet cable operators to use its distribution network in a hazardous manner. It says “KEL failed to report fatalities immediately after occurrence to the Authority in a prescribed manner and also failed to restore supply of electricity within the prescribed time limits.” It is not clear what compensation amount KE will pay to the families of those who died from electrocution. Will those who suffered temporary or permanent disability as a result of electric shock be also paid any compensation? Nepra and KE should come out clear on this vital issue. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2019.

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