Frequent power cuts test consumers’ patience

Despite the pleasant weather and apparent fall in power demand in Karachi, worst load shedding continues in many areas of the port city.

The duration of load shedding has reached 14 hours while the electricity is also being shut off in exempted areas, due to which the citizens are facing severe difficulties, residents of various localities including Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) told The Express Tribune during a survey.

Karachi is experiencing the worst electricity load shedding despite improving weather conditions and significantly reducing electric consumption. As per citizens electricity is being shut off for two hours after power restoration for only one hour in different areas. The situation in the suburbs is terrible. Load shedding is also happening in areas exempted from load shedding.

KE is also carrying out load shedding between 12.00am, and 6.00am, forcing citizens to stay awake. The indiscriminate load shedding of KE in Karachi has robbed the citizens of peace during the day and at night, locals of most affected areas including Korangi, Landhi, Bhains Colony, Malir, Safoora Goth, Surjani Town, Orangi Town, Baldia Town, Keamari, Gulshan-e-Hadid, Ahsanabad, North Karachi and New Karachi, where the power situation is awful. Citizens say KE is charging them extra money in the monthly electricity bills in the name of fuel adjustment charges, but the power supply is severely affected. While NEPRA is giving KE permission to get extra money in the name of fuel adjustment charges every month but no notice is being taken on the load shedding.

The citizens have appealed to the court to take notice of the situation.

Sources say that there has been a reduction in electricity production by 400MW due to the Bin Qasim Power Plant gas turbine malfunctioning.

Whereas the K-Electric avoids generating electricity through furnace oil. For this reason, the worst load shedding is being done on the pretext of a lack of electricity in the city.

Sources say K-Electric sells expensive electricity to citizens by taking cheap electricity from the national grid and IPPs. KE only focuses on revenue collection while the citizens suffer from painful load shedding.

Power constraints

Last month, the lone private sector utility service had said that it could improve power supply if the government would pay its dues.

In light of the ongoing power supply constraints, KE had announced a rationalized load shedding schedule for its customers last month.

The shortfall in KE territory had increased from an average of 250 MW - 350 MW to almost 450 MW - 500 MW due to rising temperatures and curtailed fuel supply.

Although the temperatures have cooled down after recent rains, fuel supply remains an issue. “The release of KE dues from the government against tariff claims will enable KE to pay fuel suppliers in full and negotiate for more gas,” KE had said.

Caution advised

Amid forecast of more rains, KE has said that citizens are advised to continue observing precautionary measures and continue to maintain a safe distance from all electricity infrastructure. Avoid using electrical appliances exposed to rains such as water motors as well. With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, we urge citizens to take special care of their sacrificial animals and avoid tethering them to any electrical infrastructure.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2022.