NEPRA Slams KE Over Power Failures, Calling Company’s Response ‘Irresponsible’

Pakistan’s power regulator NEPRA on Thursday dismissed the explanation offered by K-Electric CEO Moonis Abdullah Alvi over Karachi’s deepening electricity crisis, calling the company’s response “childish” and “irresponsible.”

The rebuke came during a hearing on K-Electric’s petition for a fuel charge adjustment for March 2025. The regulator reserved its verdict after a tense exchange highlighting the deteriorating energy supply situation in Pakistan’s largest city.

Representatives from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry raised alarm over the worsening power outages, urging NEPRA to intervene. In response, Alvi cited recovery challenges and threats to field staff in certain areas, saying the company was struggling to curb losses.

NEPRA member Rafique Shaikh sharply rejected this line of reasoning, accusing K-Electric of presenting a version of events that contradicts ground realities. He noted a marked decline in the performance of the utility’s power distribution system.

As Karachi grapples with severe power cuts and rising public frustration, NEPRA’s criticism adds further pressure on the utility provider to deliver a credible solution.