K-Electric fined Rs2 mn over weak power supply system

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday imposed a fine of Rs2 million on the K-Electric.

According to a statement issued by the power regulatory authority, the K-Electric was penalized over non-compliance of performance standards, particularly its failure to restore power supply within the prescribed time frame and to ensure the safety of public in Karachi.

Quoting media reports, it said large swathes of Karachi remained without electricity due to the tripping of almost 700 feeders during rainy weather in June last year, which resulted in long power blackouts ranging from 24 hours to 48 hours in almost 50% areas of Karachi.

Besides, there were also reports of fatal injuries to some people owing to electrocution.

The Nepra took notice of the situation in Karachi and directed the K-Electric to immediately provide a detailed report on the tripping of feeders and electrocution incidents along with preventive and corrective steps taken by K-Electric.

The report submitted by K-Electric revealed that almost 600 feeders tripped on June 28, 2017 and 400 feeders on the next day for a longer duration due to 30mm rain.

In view of the poor state of affairs on part of K-Electric, the power regulatory authority decided to initiate legal proceedings. Following the due process of law, it passed a final order on Sept 30, 2018.

It observed that Karachi suffered prolonged and unscheduled electricity outages for more than 24 hours in different areas of Karachi due to weak and fragile distribution network which could not withstand few millimetres rain and K-Electric failed to resume power supply within prescribed time period.

It further observed with concern that people were electrocuted and died due to the poor maintenance of distribution network by K-Electric. “This indicates that KE’s network is full of safety hazards and there is no mechanism to develop safety culture and rectify safety hazards so that public lives can be saved during such emergency situations,” the statement read.