Karachi, the bustling metropolis with a population exceeding 30 million, is characterized by the complexities of a developing economy, including internal migration, inadequate infrastructure, and strained resources. At the heart of these challenges is the city’s sole power provider, which grapples with the impact of power theft, complicating efforts to find sustainable solutions. Power theft is a widespread issue in developing nations, with Pakistan being one of the most severely affected countries in Asia.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reports that nearly 17 percent of electricity distributed across Pakistan is either lost or stolen, with some regions experiencing losses as high as 37.5 percent. This rampant theft, often facilitated through illegal connections known as “kundas,” presents major obstacles for power distribution companies and poses serious safety threats to local communities. Illegal connections, or kundas, involve hooking directly into the main power supply without the use of a meter.
This practice results not only in significant line losses but also leads to load shedding, average billing adjustments, and other necessary actions aimed at maintaining operational viability—or risking total disruption of power supply. Between July 2023 and May 2024, K-Electric (KE) undertook extensive kunda removal operations, dismantling illegal connections across the city in 30,000 targeted drives. This relentless campaign led to the removal of over 330,000 kilograms of kunda wires. However, there remains no assurance that these illegal connections won’t reappear, forcing the company to repeatedly engage in this costly and labor-intensive endeavor.
The implications of power theft extend beyond financial losses; the proliferation of kundas poses serious safety hazards for communities. Unauthorized connections significantly increase the risk of electrocution, leading to numerous accidents and fatalities. A past NEPRA State of Industry Report highlighted nearly 900 electrocution-related deaths linked to state-owned distribution companies. In a recent move, NEPRA issued show-cause notices to four distribution companies for 60 electrocution incidents recorded in fiscal year 2023 alone.
The primary aim of removing kundas (illegal hooks) is to reduce line losses, enhance service quality, and maintain consistent communication with customers to eliminate hazardous illegal connections and curb power theft. KE emphasizes that securing a legal connection is not only safer but also guarantees a more dependable power supply. In its quest for a sustainable operational model, K-Electric has launched numerous client-focused initiatives aimed at boosting customer satisfaction and fostering business growth.
However, power theft continues to inflict a heavy financial toll, costing Pakistan an estimated Rs 260 billion (approximately USD 923 million) in 2023 alone. As Karachi contends with the dangers posed by exposed kunda wires (illegal hooks), particularly during the monsoon season, KE’s crackdown on illegal connections faces another hurdle: the encroachment upon electrical infrastructure. Unauthorized structures obstruct maintenance efforts and heighten the safety risks associated with the prevalence of kundas (illegal connections).
The ongoing battle against power theft is far from over, and K-Electric’s initiatives highlight the crucial role of community cooperation in addressing this pervasive issue. By ensuring that connections are legal and reporting instances of theft, residents can play a vital role in improving power distribution, enhancing safety, and securing a more reliable electricity supply for all. As the city navigates these challenges, a concerted effort between power authorities and the community is essential to foster a safer and more efficient energy landscape.
