Sharjeel demands accountability from K-Electric for persistent failures

Senior Minister for Information, Transport, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, criticized K-Electric for its continued failures since its inception.

He called out the company’s disregard for its contractual obligations, pointing out that K-Electric is required to reinvest a percentage of its earnings into expanding and maintaining its network.

During a press briefing on Monday, Minister Memon highlighted the frequent power outages caused by K-Electric’s feeder trips, especially during rain or heatwaves. He noted that the Sindh Assembly recently passed a resolution demanding that power companies improve their services.

In response, K-Electric issued a letter claiming outstanding dues from the government. Memon asserted that if there are dues owed to K-Electric, there are also counterclaims owed by K-Electric to the Sindh government, which can be adjusted accordingly. Memon condemned the arbitrary billing practices of power companies, accusing them of violating constitutional rights by imposing estimated bills instead of actual meter readings.

He emphasized that the collective punishment approach, such as removing PMTs in areas with defaulting households, is illegal and unacceptable. The minister criticized the power companies for sending estimated bills and then refusing to reduce them, only offering installment payments instead. He stressed that companies like K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO are infringing on constitutional rights and warned that legal action would follow such violations.

Memon drew attention to the severe impact on rural areas, where power companies disconnect transformers if even a small percentage of household’s default on payments. He stated that this collective punishment is unfair and illegal.

The minister demanded accountability, asserting that power companies cannot punish the poor for their greed and incompetence. He highlighted the distress caused to the public during heatwaves and the lack of electricity in examination centers, exacerbating the plight of the citizens.