ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday rejected K-Electric CEO Moonis Abdullah Alvi’s explanation for the ongoing electricity crisis in Karachi, terming the utility’s response “irresponsible” and lacking accountability.
The strong remarks came during a hearing on K-Electric’s Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA) petition for March 2025, where representatives from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) raised concerns over worsening power outages in the city.
“Karachi is suffering from extreme loadshedding. NEPRA must intervene with a long-term solution,” a KCCI representative urged, highlighting the damaging impact on daily life and business operations.
Responding to these concerns, K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi cited recovery challenges and safety risks to staff in certain high-loss areas as primary reasons behind the persistent outages. “There are areas where even our teams are facing threats,” Alvi stated.
However, NEPRA member Rafique Shaikh strongly criticized K-Electric’s explanation, calling it “childish” and disconnected from the reality on ground. “We completely reject K-Electric’s justification for loadshedding. The company’s distribution network has severely deteriorated and they are failing to fulfill their obligations,” he said.
This backlash follows mounting public anger over prolonged and unannounced loadshedding in Karachi, particularly during peak summer and festive periods. Even traditionally loadshedding-free areas like North Nazimabad Block Q have been affected, with residents reporting spoiled sacrificial meat during Eidul Adha due to extended power cuts.
Locals blame illegal electricity connections (kundas) in nearby informal settlements for system overload, but questioned why bill-paying residents are being punished. “We pay full bills, yet suffer because of others’ theft. Where is the accountability?” one resident asked.
The hearing concluded with NEPRA reserving its verdict on the FCA petition, while demanding urgent improvements in K-Electric’s performance. The regulatory authority’s stance signals growing scrutiny of the utility’s failures and pressure for immediate reforms to end Karachi’s power crisis.
