In a recent development, K-electric has taken a significant step to benefit electricity consumers in Karachi. The power company has filed a review plea to generate an additional 350 megawatts of cost-effective electricity for the people of Karachi. This move comes as a welcome relief, especially given the ongoing inflation concerns.
Furthermore, K-electric has also submitted a plea for a 200-megawatt neutral hybrid power project at Dhabeji Grid. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is set to consider these pleas on November 14, signaling a positive prospect for improved electricity supply in the region.
NEPRA has granted K-Electric permission to recover a subsidy of Rs3 per unit, which was previously provided to industrial consumers in Karachi from July to December 2019 as part of the industrial relief package for peak and off-peak hours. This subsidy recovery will ease the financial burden on K-Electric, potentially leading to more stable and affordable electricity rates for consumers.
In a recent public hearing on October 19, NEPRA discussed K-Electric’s Power Acquisition Programme (PAP) for the fiscal years 2024 to 2030. The primary objective of this program is to create a long-term capacity expansion plan for K-Electric’s service area. It aims to meet the growing energy demand in a reliable and sustainable manner while maximizing the use of renewable and indigenous energy resources.
The Power Acquisition Program, submitted to the regulator in early 2023, complements K-Electric’s PKR 484 billion Investment Plan designed to strengthen the company’s transmission and distribution infrastructure. This comprehensive approach signifies a positive step towards ensuring a more stable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply for Karachi residents.
