The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday rejected K-Electric CEO Moonis Abdullah Alvi’s explanation for the severe electricity loadshedding crisis in Karachi.
NEPRA held off on delivering a verdict after wrapping up the hearing on K-Electric’s petition concerning the Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA) for March 2025.
During the hearing, a representative from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) highlighted the worsening power situation in the city, stating, “Karachi is facing extreme loadshedding. We urge NEPRA to find a viable solution.”
In response, K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi admitted, “We are unable to find ways to recover the payments and reduce losses. There are even areas where our staff are facing threats.”
NEPRA member Rafique Shaikh strongly criticized this response, calling it “childish” and “irresponsible” given the seriousness of the crisis.
“We completely reject K-Electric’s explanation for the loadshedding,” he said. “There is a clear contradiction between the ground realities and what K-Electric is portraying.”
He also pointed out that the power distribution system under K-Electric’s management has significantly worsened.
Last year, during Eidul Adha, Karachi experienced the worst power outages despite the hot and humid weather, with residents of North Nazimabad Block Q, a zone normally free from loadshedding, also suffering cuts.
Residents told that although they pay 100% of their bills, illegal electricity connections (‘kunda’) in nearby Katchi abadis have led K-Electric to impose unannounced power outages.
“Why are we being penalized despite paying heavy bills, for illegal connections in the area?” questioned the residents.
They added that prolonged power cuts caused sacrificial meat to spoil, with one resident demanding the restoration of electricity and compensation for the lost meat.