The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued its fiscal year 2023-24 report, identifying K-Electric as the distribution company with the highest fatalities. The report documents 34 K-Electric fatalities, resulting in the deaths of 32 citizens and 2 employees.
The NEPRA report also indicates that the total fatalities reported across various power distribution companies stood at 140. Key figures include:
| Company | Fatalities |
|---|---|
| Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) | 26 |
| Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) | 20 |
| Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) | 18 |
| Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) | 9 |
| Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) | 9 |
Faisalabad, Sukkur, and Multan companies reported fewer incidents, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety protocols.
NEPRA criticized the power companies for their lax safety standards, stating that adherence to rigorous safety protocols could have prevented these deaths. The authority has called for immediate enhancements in safety measures.
K-Electric’s Financial Claims Reviewed
During a recent NEPRA hearing, K-Electric defended its claims for unrecoverable dues from chronic defaulters from FY17 to FY23, which is vital for its financial sustainability. Despite facing consumer grievances, K-Electric clarified that these claims were part of the Multi-Year Tariff, independent of customer billing rates.
The company highlighted that the disputed amount of Rs68 billion is critical for continuing operations and has been thoroughly audited to ensure compliance with NEPRA’s standards.
Read: Power Disruption: K-Electric Cuts Off Pakistan Railways Over Unpaid Bills
K-Electric spokesperson stated, “As a private utility, K-Electric contributes zero to the national circular debt, a status recognized globally by institutions like the World Bank.” They stressed that denying legitimate financial claims would directly affect their capacity to upgrade infrastructure and improve the power supply in Karachi.
K-Electric remains committed to engaging with the regulator to discuss and resolve these issues, ensuring better service delivery and safety for its consumers.
