Power governance body advises Kenyan electricity provider to cease sudden power outages without prior notice
KARACHI: National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances Expresses Deep Concern Over Power Outages in Karachi
The committee, chaired by MNA Nuzhat Sadiq, assembled at the Parliament House on Monday and took up various assurances given by ministers regarding utility issues. The committee was particularly concerned about unscheduled power outages in Karachi, being faced by residents despite payment of their utility bills.
The committee demanded that the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) cease the unannounced load-shedding in the city, as it is reportedly causing immense hardship for paying consumers due to power cuts in different areas. Furthermore, the committee objected to KESC's practice of billing consumers based on average consumption, which disproportionately affects paying customers due to theft and non-payment by others.
In response, the KESC management disclosed that a massive accumulation of Rs44 billion was due to outstanding bills, electricity theft, and non-metering in 2024. The committee has set a 30-day deadline for KESC to address these issues, and it also urged the company to collaborate closely with Karachi's elected representatives to address the widespread use of "kunda" wiring and bring more consumers under the meter billing system.
The committee also discussed other assurances given by ministers concerning over-billing in Karachi, the establishment of the Protectorate of Emigrants Office in District Mansehra, road rehabilitation in Sindh and KPK, and over-billing of gas in Balochistan.
The committee was informed that, instead of being established in Mansehra, the Protectorate of Emigrants Office would be set up in Abbottabad. This location was selected because it would better serve the areas of Hazara Division.
Regarding road maintenance and repairs across the country, the National Highway Authority (NHA) was directed to expedite work and chalk out a strategy for the upcoming monsoon season. The committee also sought clarity on the NHA's routine maintenance budget for roads and highways.
The committee will assess the implementation of its recommendations after 30 days. Key participants in the meeting included MNAs Raja Qamarul Islam, Muneeba Iqbal, Shagufta Jumani, Shahida Rehmani, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhry, Shafqat Abbas, Hameed Hussain, Ali AfzalSahi (via Zoom), and various ministry and departmental officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The committee encouraged KESC to rectify the issue of outstanding bills, electricity theft, and non-metering by the end of 2024 to prevent further inconvenience to paying consumers. Additionally, the committee suggested a collaboration between KESC and Karachi's elected representatives to address the widespread use of "kunda" wiring and improve the meter billing system.
Furthermore, the committee delved into the discussion on the industry sector, expressing concern over the accumulation of Rs44 billion due to outstanding bills, theft, and non-metering in the energy sector that has a direct impact on finance.
