NEPRA Fines K-Electric Rs 10 Million for Deaths in Karachi

ISLAMABAD – The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has fined K-Electric (KE) Rs 10 million over electrocution incidents that claimed 33 lives in Karachi between 2022 and 2023. NEPRA imposed the fine after rejecting KE’s response to a show-cause notice regarding the fatal incidents.

The regulatory body has ordered K-Electric to deposit the fine within 15 days and directed the utility company to pay Rs 3.5 million in compensation to the families of each victim. Additionally, K-Electric has been instructed to offer employment to a member of Muhammad Aslam’s family, one of the victims of the electrocution incidents.

NEPRA’s investigation highlighted the severity of the situation, holding K-Electric accountable for one of the incidents. However, K-Electric maintained that it was not negligent in 32 out of the 33 reported cases.

“K-Electric’s response was deemed unsatisfactory in one incident, leading to the imposed fine. However, the NEPRA investigation report found no negligence on KE’s part in the remaining 32 incidents that occurred between July 2022 and June 2023,” said a K-Electric spokesperson. The company also announced that it would review NEPRA’s findings thoroughly before responding further.

The fine and compensation orders come amid growing concerns over public safety and the need for better infrastructure to prevent such tragic incidents in Karachi. NEPRA’s actions aim to hold utility providers accountable for maintaining adequate safety standards to protect citizens from similar incidents in the future.