NEPRA formed committee to probe load shedding in Karachi

NEPRA decided to form committee after the public hearing

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Friday July 10 held public hearing in Islamabad and decided to form a committee to visit Karachi and probe complaints of "excessive" electricity load shedding  by the K-Electric (KE) in the metropolis in recent days.

The public hearing was held through video link which was attended by public representatives, technical experts, and representatives of different entities, members of the business community, journalists and consumers from Karachi.

Residents of Karachi have in recent weeks complained about frequent unannounced power outages that have added to the misery of soaring temperatures and the coronavirus outbreak.

During today's hearing, the participants shared their views and complaints regarding the prevailing power supply situation in the city.

Nepra issued a press release after the hearing which says that "after detailed deliberations has decided to form a four-member committee of Nepra professionals/experts headed by [the] director general (monitoring & enforcement) to visit Karachi immediately, conduct further investigations on ground and submit a detailed report to the Authority before the end of next week". It added that Nepra will take "further necessary action" on the basis of the committee's report.

Last month, Nepra had taken notice of complaints regarding continuing unannounced load-shedding in Karachi and directed the power utility to submit a detailed report in this regard.

The body had also noted that inflated electricity bills were being charged to consumers.

The power regulatory authority had taken up the issue as many residents took to the streets to protest the power outages, blocking main roads and highways to bring the issue to the attention of the relevant authorities.