KARACHI: K-Electric has stepped up its action against electricity theft in the Saddar area, cutting more than 1,300 illegal connections, a spokesperson confirmed.
During the operation, over 1,700 kilograms of wires used for power theft were removed, and about 1.45 million electricity units were secured from being stolen.
According to the spokesperson, 88 percent of feeders in Saddar are now free from load-shedding, though areas like Bizarat Lines, Hijrat Colony, Railway Colony, and Sultanabad remain troubled due to heavy theft and unpaid bills.
Outstanding dues in Saddar alone have crossed Rs 1.1 billion, blocking complete exemption from outages.
In a separate drive in Orangi Town, KE, with law enforcement support, 81 illegal connections weighing 290 kilograms.
The crackdown also uncovered 53 tampered meters, with the theft draining over 157,000 units of electricity annually. The Orangi area owes over Rs 1.6 billion, creating a severe financial burden.
KE highlighted that such illegal setups not only bypass safety measures but also damage the distribution network.
The utility said these ongoing operations are part of its wider campaign to curb theft, reduce line losses, and improve supply reliability.
At present, 70 percent of KE’s network is free from load-shedding, while areas with theft and payment issues continue to face scheduled outages.
The company reiterated that tackling theft and ensuring timely bill payments are key to achieving a load-shedding-free Karachi.