KARACHI : Despite mob violence and threat of a direct gun attack, K-Electric (KE) conducted a massive crackdown on electricity theft in Karachi’s SITE area where a loadshed-exempted industrial feeder was being used to steal over 10 million units of power annually through illegal infrastructure that was duly dismantled during the operation.
A KE spokesperson said: “A mob gathered to prevent our enforcement teams from removing the illegal network of electricity. A miscreant also brandished a weapon during the drive, but thankfully, the presence of a number of law-enforcement officials prevented any untoward incident.
“K-Electric remains committed to eliminating power theft, dismantling illegal networks, protecting its infrastructure, and ensuring a safe, stable, and reliable electricity supply across its serviced region. The utility will continue action against all elements involved in electricity theft and infrastructure damage.”
During the operation, KE’s governance teams along with local law-enforcement found a network of overhead and underground cables connected to the HT network. KE’s teams removed the infrastructure that would have otherwise created significant risks of safety. This was not the first such operation in the area where mobs routinely gather to prevent KE’s teams from performing their duty.
Illegal electricity connections not only undermine the stability of the power system but also endanger lives and disrupt supply for paying consumers, the spokesperson said.
“Losses on the concerned feeder had been consistently increasing due to these illegal activities, crossing 60% in recent months with the 12-month average at 53%. This translates to roughly 1 unit of electricity lost to theft for every two units of power sent.”
About K-Electric:
K-Electric (KE) is a public listed company incorporated in Pakistan in 1913 as KESC. Privatized in 2005, KE is the only vertically integrated power utility in Pakistan supplying electricity to Karachi and its adjoining areas. The majority shares (66.4%) of the Company are owned by KES Power, a consortium of investors including Al-Jomaih Power Limited of Saudi Arabia, National Industries Group (Holding) of Kuwait, and KE Holdings (Formerly: Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund or IGCF). The Government of Pakistan is also a shareholder (24.36%) in the Company while the remaining are listed as free float shares.