Staff Reporter
Karachi
President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan has expressed concerns over K-Electric’s lobbying in the press against the proposed APM by NEPRA in the License No.09/DL/2003 dated July 21, 2003 and putting forth flimsy and untenable arguments against modification of KE’s license to bring an end to its absolute monopoly over the sale and distribution of electric power to the territory of Karachi.
In an addendum to comments sent earlier on Authority proposed modification in existing distribution license of K-Electric Limited sent to Registrar of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, President KCCI pointed out that as to the contention of KE that the termination of its exclusivity or in other words the “Monopoly” is not in public interest which is ridiculous.
KE has given some flawed reasoning in support of its argument. In KE’s flawed theory, the Star/Low Loss consumers who are KE’s primary source of revenue and enable KE to meet its “social obligation costs” would be taken up by new entrants to the distribution market. The statement itself is a testimony to KE’s unfair treatment and exploitation of honest consumers.
He said that these consumers are forced to bear the costs and burden of theft, leakages and line losses, while rewarding those involved in theft of electricity in connivance with the KE’s field staff who provide illegal connections through use of “Kunda”. Ironically, KE calls such shifting of burden on honest consumers as “Social Obligation Costs”.
