KE cannot be blamed for persistent loadshedding: CEO in public hearing

ISLAMABAD: The Karachi-Electric (K-Electric) cannot be faulted for the persistent loadshedding crisis in the country, said KE CEO Moonis Alvi during a public hearing arranged by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Friday.

During the hearing, NEPRA representatives from all provinces partook in the hearing as did the CEO of the power distribution company based in Karachi. The KE CEO said categorically during the hearing that the company “cannot be blamed” and faulted the federal government for failing to import furnace oil.

A number of public representatives, technical experts, representatives of different entities, members of business community, journalists and the consumers of Karachi participated.

Nepra Chairman Tauseef H Farooqui presided over the hearing and members of Nepra from all four provinces also participated.

“We have gathered here today to discuss the issue of loadshedding in Karachi,” said Nepra Vice Chairman Saifullah Chatha. “The authority will listen to all stakeholders present today.”

“Under normal circumstances, load shedding in Karachi lasts between three to seven- and-a-half hours,” the KE chief said during the hearing.

Alvi said that the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) had asked for permission from the government to import oil. The government made the decision to import furnace oil after much delay.

According to the KE top boss, the delay had already caused KE power plants and the government’s thermal plants to run out of oil.

“Our request for additional power from the nation grid is never considered,” he complained.

Alvi said that currently KE takes 720MW to 730MW from the national grid.

Chairman Farooqui, taking into account the statement by the KE chief, asked whether KE must be held responsible for Karachi’s electricity woes since June 22.