Reports sought from NTDC, K-Electric on Karachi's power failure

KARACHI: The Power Division of the Ministry of Energy has summoned reports from the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) and K-Electric following yet another massive electricity failure that the metropolis suffered on the morning of Monday.

The power supplying bodies have been directed to submit a report on the matter within 24 hours.

Most parts of Karachi plunged into darkness in the wee hours of Monday after the transmission line with the national grid tripped.

Areas including Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, North Karachi, Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Federal B. Area, Garden, Shadman, Azizabad, Saddar, Kharadar, Lyari, old city areas and Steel Mill were affected by the power breakdown.

According to K-Electric Spokesperson, “Supply to city is affected following tripping in transmission line of National Grid. Restoration efforts are underway. We regret inconvenience caused to customers and request their cooperation during this time.”

Power Supply Update:
Supply to city is affected following tripping in transmission line of National Grid. Restoration efforts are underway. We regret inconvenience caused to customers and request their cooperation during this time.

— KE (@KElectricPk) November 12, 2018

Karachi had witnessed similar power cuts in last couple of months caused by fault in transmission lines.

Karachi Power Update: (1/2)
Partial supply from national grid has resumed and restoration of power supply to affected areas is progressing swiftly. Supply to parts of Korangi, Garden, Jacobline, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan, Defense, Gizri and Landhi has started.

— KE (@KElectricPk) November 12, 2018

This is the third major power breakdown in less than two months’ time to hit the port city. Recent power outages were reported on October 7 and October 21.

Following the Oct 4 breakdown, Federal Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan had directed the authorities to probe the matter thoroughly to see if any preventive maintenance was carried out by both the National Transmission & Dispatch Company (NTDC) and KE to avoid such a situation.