Prolonged unannounced power cuts had increased in Karachi rather than decreasing even after show-cause notices were issued to K-Electric under the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Act, claimed Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh.
He sent separate letters to Federal Energy Minister Omar Ayub and NEPRA chairperson Tauseef H Farooqui, highlighting the prolonged load-shedding in Sindh's cities despite the sweltering weather.
Stating that the K-Electric was carrying out load-shedding of eight to 12 hours in the city as well as power outages at night, he called for a high-level emergency meeting to figure out a permanent solution for the matter.
He further added that KE should be immediately directed to stop load-shedding, while NEPRA officials should be told to review the matter after visiting the metropolis themselves.
Moreover, the provincial minister pointed out that areas being provided electricity by Hyderabad Electricity Supply Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company were also facing power cuts lasting up to 12 to 16 hours in a day, while also drawing attention to the absence of transformers in other cities. He suggested that a separate meeting be held in this regard to consult with all stakeholders and find a solution.
"The citizens of Sindh are fed up with this load-shedding and a permanent solution is needed, which is the Centre's responsibility," he said, expressing the fear that people may take to the streets if they were left with no other choice.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2020.
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