K-Electric to set aside old bills for low-usage consumers: Energy minister

Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has announced that K-Electric has agreed to set aside (later to pay) outstanding bills for consumers using up to 200 units of electricity, resuming service based on new bills.

This initiative aims to provide maximum relief to low-usage consumers, with the government appreciating K-Electric’s efforts to restore its reputation through customer-friendly actions. Minister Shah emphasized the importance of timely bill payments and assured traders of resolving their issues during a meeting with all parliamentary leaders and members of the Sindh Assembly.

The meeting included Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, MNA Nabeel Gabol, MPAs Yousuf Baloch, Asif Khan, Najm Mirza, Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi, and representatives from K-Electric including CEO Moonis Alvi and CDO Saadia Dada. Key discussions focused on the ongoing load shedding in Karachi, non-payment issues leading to extended outages, and the need for better coordination between K-Electric and the government.

Members of the assembly, particularly from Lyari, voiced strong objections to the prolonged power cuts, accusing K-Electric of failing to keep promises.

Minister Ghani criticized K-Electric’s lack of a proper system, pointing out that they treat bill-paying and non-paying customers alike. He condemned K-Electric’s attitude of paying fines to NEPRA instead of providing relief to the public, asserting that electricity is a necessity, not a luxury.

K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi reported that 70 percent of the city’s areas are load shedding-free, with varying schedules based on recovery rates. He highlighted that the company is owed Rs. 70 billion by consumers and requested timely payment of current bills to alleviate load shedding.

The meeting also called for exempting exam centers from load shedding during inter exams and ensuring no power cuts at water pumping stations. Minister Shah urged K-Electric to respect elected representatives and work collaboratively to provide relief to Karachi’s residents.

A committee led by Minister Ghani was formed, including representatives from the Sindh Assembly and political parties, to address load shedding, bill payments, and other issues to ensure public relief.