K-Electric faces assembly heat

House panel warns of privilege proceedings, possible arrest over load-shedding

KARACHI:

K-Electric's top brass stayed away from the Sindh Assembly on Wednesday, but the company's absence did little to cool lawmakers' anger over Karachi's persistent power cuts. Instead, the no-show pushed a special house committee closer to punitive action, with possible privilege proceedings and even arrest being discussed.

The committee had summoned the CEOs of K-Electric, HESCO and SEPCO to explain the continuing load-shedding, but none of the three showed up. K-Electric sent its head of distribution and other officials instead - a move that failed to satisfy lawmakers and eventually saw the company's representatives shown the door.

Chaired by PPP MPA Fayyaz Butt, the committee warned that the power utilities could face the maximum action allowed under the law if the crisis remained unresolved. Butt also took aim at Nepra, questioning why the regulator had failed to enforce its orders and warning that he would approach the federal government over what he described as the regulator's inability to rein in the distribution companies.

Speaking after the meeting, Butt said the committee would initiate proceedings through the Privileges Committee against K-Electric. "K-Electric did not provide answers. If the law provides for arrest, they will be arrested," he said. He said a final meeting with the CEOs would be held and warned that failure to resolve the issue could lead to the imposition of the maximum penalties permissible under the law.

The meeting also saw lawmakers question the authority and effectiveness of the Nepra in regulating power distribution companies. Butt lashed out at Nepra officials, asking why the regulator did not cancel licences if it was unable to enforce its orders. "If Nepra cannot get its orders implemented, why does it not cancel licences?" he asked, adding that he would write to the federal government over what he described as the regulator's admission that it lacked powers.

PPP lawmaker Saleem Baloch said the meeting minutes should record that Nepra was unable to rein in K-Electric, HESCO and SEPCO. He said the closure of feeders and PMTs would not be tolerated and added that consumers who paid their bills should not be subjected to power cuts.

"According to Nepra, load-shedding is illegal," he added.

Lawmakers also raised complaints about billing and alleged irregularities. PPP MPA Yousuf Baloch claimed that a meter had been registered in his name six years before he was born. "I'm a sitting MPA. If a fake bill can be generated in my name, imagine what happens to the public," he said.

Meanwhile, K-Electric has warned of a significant financial setback after the Nepra Appellate Tribunal verbally rejected the company's appeals against regulatory decisions issued on October 20, 2025, saying the ruling could have a substantial adverse impact on its multi-year tariff for the 2024-30 control period. According to a spokesperson, the verbal order was conveyed on Wednesday in compliance with directions issued by the Nepra Appellate Tribunal in connection with the company's appeals against Nepra's decisions. However, the tribunal has yet to issue its detailed written order.