Industrialists urge govt to end KE’s monopoly

Say move will promote competition and allow consumers to enjoy better services

Keeping in view the prolonged hours of load-shedding endured by industries in Karachi, businessmen have urged the government to end the monopoly of K-Electric in 2023 when its contact is scheduled to be renewed.

They argued that such a move would promote a competitive environment and customers will be able to enjoy better services and choices.

In a statement on Friday, Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman Siraj Kassam Teli criticised K-Electric over excessive load-shedding and its failure to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Karachi.

He pointed out that the power supplier’s agreement is set to expire in 2023 and suggested that the next agreement should be drafted in a manner which puts an end to the monopoly currently being enjoyed by the power utility company.

“Under the existing agreement, K-Electric, since its privatisation, has been monopolising the entire power generation and distribution network of Karachi without any fear of competition,” he highlighted. “Now, it is high time that this monopoly end.”

Meanwhile, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan said due to the poor performance of the company, almost all the localities of Karachi, including seven industrial zones, suffer unannounced power cuts every day for prolonged hours.

“The unannounced and prolonged load-shedding by K-Electric is causing substantial losses and it will prove to be the last nail in the coffin for industries and the economy,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2020.

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