On February 23, 2023, K-Electric (KE) hosted a visit from senior officials of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), led by Member (Technical) Rafique Ahmad Shaikh.
The purpose of the visit was to assess KE’s performance and compliance with NEPRA’s regulations, including the Act, Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules 2005, Distribution Code, and other applicable rules.
KE CEO Moonis Alvi and senior management briefed the NEPRA Authority on the company’s initiatives and proactive measures to ensure adequate supply and demand during the upcoming Holy month of Ramadan, as well as the financial and operational challenges that the company is facing.
During the meeting, NEPRA Member Rafique Ahmad Shaikh stressed the need for continuous improvement to meet the rising demand for power.
He directed KE officials to maintain their growth trajectory and strive for greater efficiency and innovation, including the integration of clean energy projects into the system.
The NEPRA delegation’s visit to KE is a part of their routine inspection of the power distribution companies operating in Pakistan.
The regulatory authority’s role is to ensure that power companies comply with all applicable rules and regulations to ensure the provision of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to consumers.
KE, the sole power distribution company in Karachi and its surrounding areas, has been facing several challenges in recent years, including capacity constraints, aging infrastructure, and the impact of climate change on the power generation and distribution system.
Despite these challenges, KE has taken several initiatives to address the power supply-demand gap and improve the reliability of its services.
One such initiative is the development of a comprehensive load shedding plan for the summer months, which is traditionally a time of increased power demand due to higher temperatures and longer daylight hours.
The plan includes the installation of additional power generation capacity and the optimization of the existing system to ensure uninterrupted power supply to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
KE is also investing in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power, to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
The company has set a target of generating 30% of its power from renewable sources by 2030.
During the NEPRA delegation’s visit, KE officials also highlighted the company’s efforts to improve customer service, including the installation of smart meters and the introduction of online bill payment and complaint registration systems.
These initiatives have helped to reduce the turnaround time for service requests and improve customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, NEPRA’s visit to K-Electric is a testament to the regulatory authority’s commitment to ensuring the provision of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to consumers in Pakistan.
KE’s initiatives to address the power supply-demand gap and improve the reliability of its services, as well as its investment in renewable energy projects and efforts to improve customer service, are steps in the right direction.
With continued support from NEPRA and other stakeholders, KE can overcome its challenges and achieve its goal of providing uninterrupted power supply to the people of Karachi and its surrounding areas.
