NEPRA to debate power load factor in Karachi

The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry has called for the immediate withdrawal of the recent fuel surcharge and demanded the release of a Rs33 billion incremental consumption package promised during the Covid period.

Member Technical (Sindh) of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), Rafiq Ahmed Sheikh, has announced that a formal debate will be initiated on the load factor following a proposal by KATI. He said efforts are underway to resolve power tariff issues and challenges being faced by the industrial sector.

He was addressing an interactive session during his visit to The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), attended by industrialists in person and via Zoom.

Sheikh said that a few years ago, it was noticed that industrial associations and stakeholders would be consulted in policy and decision-making for the power sector. In this regard, meetings were held with industrialists in Faisalabad, Sialkot, KATI and the Karachi Chamber, which proved highly beneficial in understanding industry issues more comprehensively.

He stated that NEPRA's core objective is to protect the interests of both consumers and the private sector. He added that global best practices also support stakeholder representation in the consultative process to ensure greater transparency.

He appreciated the patriotic spirit and commitment shown by industrialists during these engagements and said that while stakeholders are performing their duties with sincerity, certain systemic flaws continue to create challenges that need to be urgently addressed.

KATI President Ikram Rajput said it is an undeniable reality that Karachi's industry is being used to subsidise loss-making power distribution companies in other parts of the country, which is completely unacceptable. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the recent fuel surcharge and urged authorities to ensure the payment of the promised Rs33 billion incremental consumption package from the Covid period.