Staff Reporter
Karachi
Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Saturday announced that there would be no unannounced power outages in Karachi from Sunday after gas supply to the city’s sole power utility was increased.
“The Sui Southern Gas Company has increased the gas supply to K-Electric to 290mmcf,” Umar told the media at a protest camp outside KE’s office alongside Sindh Governor Imran Ismail.
The planning minister added they would do their best to try to solve the issues of the public. “Even if after this the problems are not solved, we will take legal action. PTI did not sign any agreements with KE, the previous governments did. If a takeover is needed, that will be done,” he remarked.
Speaking about the unannounced power cuts that have increased over the past few weeks, Umar said, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority would release a report regarding the power outages. “NEPRA will take action against the company regarding power cuts and the government is ready to act,” Umar said.
Governor Ismail added that the government was trying its best to deal with the issues of power outages in the metropolis.
“After efforts from the government, there will be no more unannounced power cuts in the city from tomorrow. NEPRA will conduct an audit into the issue of overbilling and if any were found, CEO KE will refund it,” he added.
The governor shared that he was summoned by the prime minister regarding the KE issue. “We decided today there will be no unannounced power outages in Karachi from tomorrow. The Petroleum Division has assured us they have increased the supply of gas to KE,” Ismail added.
KE saw an decent increase of 450 MW in its citywide production of electricity after it received the gas supply, sources said. The company has boosted its power production up to 2,950MW, said power industry sources, adding that earlier the numbers were at 2,500MW.
The sources said the city’s demand stood at 3,300MW and the new jump in production can bring an ease to loadshedding. Asad Umar said that the Centre can provide an additional 500 tonnes of furnace oil to the KE, adding that it is providing 4,500 tonnes on a daily basis already.
