By our correspondent
KARACHI: The Power Division has formally approached the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) with a request to revisit the existing tariff structure of K-Electric, signaling growing concern at the highest levels over the company’s performance and financial sustainability. The move reflects the government’s broader push to instill greater accountability and efficiency across the power sector.
Federal Minister for Power, Owais Leghari, was unequivocal in his message, stating that the power sector can no longer afford to accommodate inefficiencies—whether they originate from public institutions or private operators. In a clear warning, he said that relying on repeated and generous tariff hikes to mask operational or structural shortcomings is no longer a viable path forward. Leghari’s remarks indicate a shift in tone from past practices, where price adjustments often served as a default solution to balance the books without addressing the underlying issues.
The minister emphasized that the goal of the review request is to encourage a more sustainable and balanced environment within the country’s electricity distribution system. He underscored the importance of transparency and fairness in the tariff revision process, suggesting that any changes must not only address current inefficiencies but also offer long-term solutions that benefit both consumers and the national grid.
This latest move follows a growing chorus of public frustration over load-shedding, billing disputes, and questions around K-Electric’s operational practices, particularly in Karachi where it holds a monopoly on electricity distribution. As NEPRA prepares to consider the request, the spotlight will likely remain on how both the regulator and K-Electric respond to increasing scrutiny over performance, cost recovery, and consumer protection.
