Lights go out Karachi yet again

Despite the Supreme Court and the federal government's orders directing K-Electric to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the city - and assurances about this as well - several areas of the metropolis were without power on Wednesday. The power utility claims that load 'management' was carried out because of shortage of gas supply from the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).

In some areas including Liaquatabad, North Karachi, Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Baldia Town, Saeedabad, old city areas, and others, the power outage extended up to 12 hours. Yet other areas were without electricity for four to six hours.

Protesters gathered outside KE's office in Garden area with residents from Ram Swami, Jama Cloth Market, Police Lines and other surrounding areas demanding the resumption of power. They dispersed only after the police arrived and assured them of restoration of power supply.

Much said, little done

In August, the apex court had directed KE to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the city. The court had also sought a detailed audit report from the power utility. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the National Electric Power Authority had imposed a Rs200 million fine on the power utility company for prolonged load-shedding during June and July.

At a public hearing, NEPRA's chairperson had lashed out at KE CEO Moonis Alvi and assured that an investigation would be carried out into the matter.

The power utility had cited shortage of furnace oil as the cause behind unannounced load-shedding, a statement that the federal energy ministry vehemently denounced, stating that KE had simply failed to upgrade its systems.

But an agreement was soon reached with the Centre promising to provide the power utility with an additional 100 million cubic feet of gas with the new total amounting to 290 million cubic feet - a figure stated to be increased in the coming years.

At a press conference held along with the KE CEO, Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar announced that there would be no more unscheduled load-shedding of electricity in the city from July 12 onwards.

Only last week, on September 7, the power utility announced the appointment of its new chairperson of the board, Shan A Ashary. KE's official statement read, "As the new chairman, his focus will be on operational excellence at the company across its generation, transmission and distribution functions to ensure safe, reliable and uninterrupted power supply to the company's customers."

However, the several areas of the city have once again found themselves plunged into darkness with 'load management' in recent days, not to mention prolonged power outages during the recent rains when the power utility was unable to ensure electricity supply due to feeders tripping and accumulated rainwater.

KE's explanation

With regards to the recent power outages, a KE spokesperson said that the power utility's electricity generation capability had been affected due to the shortage of gas supply by the SSGC. Temporary load management is being carried out in some areas, he said.

Meanwhile, sources claimed that the power utility company has always depended on cheap sources of power generation. Furthermore, its power plants which rely on furnace oil are frequently dysfunctional, they added.

Citizens' lament

Citizens have repeatedly appealed to the courts to take action against KE. Questions have also been raised about the privatisation of the power utility company.

Allegations of inflated electricity bills as well as complaints of frequent power outages have also been levelled against KE, and despite much hullabaloo, little action appears to have been taken.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2020.