Karachi residents struggle as soaring electricity bills spark outcry

KARACHI:

Residents of Karachi are facing severe challenges due to a dramatic increase in electricity bills, with many struggling to pay their dues. The recent surge in electricity costs has left citizens in shock, particularly those using between 300 and 1,000 units per month.

From June 21 to July 1, the city has experienced a significant rise in heatstroke cases, adding to the citizens' woes. In the past 24 hours alone, hospitals have treated 144 people for heatstroke symptoms, with 34 requiring admission. Despite these hardships, Karachiites are now grappling with unprecedented electricity bills.

A Karachi resident, who previously paid around Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 for 300-plus units, received a bill of Rs28,901 for 305 units, despite not using an air conditioner. This family, living on the top floor and enduring extreme heat, is now struggling to cope with the high costs.

Another resident reported a bill of Rs13,000 for 289 units, highlighting a significant disparity compared to previous charges. Even a flat that has been vacant for a year received a bill of Rs4,300 for just five units, primarily due to the fuel adjustment charges imposed by K-Electric.

Also read: Electricity consumers complain of over-billing in Karachi

K-Electric's spokesperson explained that the charges are authorised by NEPRA, but residents are finding these taxes incomprehensible. Bills for those using over 200 units now range from Rs10,000 to Rs15,000, far beyond what many can afford.

The situation is particularly dire for the middle and lower-income classes. Muhammad Adnan, a resident of Korangi, shared that his electricity bill has soared to Rs13,000, in addition to a house rent of Rs16,000, against his monthly salary of Rs35,000.

Akbar Ali from Abul Hassan Ispahani Road expressed similar distress, stating that his Rs50,000 salary is largely consumed by a Rs15,000 electricity bill, leaving little for other essentials.

Citizens are calling on the government to provide immediate relief from the exorbitant electricity bills, which now consume more than half of their incomes.