No unannounced load shedding in Karachi from tomorrow: Asad Umar

KARACHI: Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has asserted that no unannounced load shedding will take place in Karachi from tomorrow.

The announcement came while addressing a press conference, alongside Governor Sindh Imran Ismail and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) KE Moonis Alvi, after holding a meeting with representatives of K-Electric at Governor House.  

Commenting on the K-Electric requirements, Asad Umar informed that the unannounced load shedding will end from tomorrow after gas supply to K-Electric was increased. “The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has increased the gas supply to K-Electric to 290mmcf,” he added.

He further said that the Petroleum Division will increase its previous supply of 190 standard cubic feet gas to 290 cubic feet. “This means that an added 100 standard cubic feet of gas will be provided to K-Electric every day,” he added.

The federal minister also informed that an additional 550 (MW) megawatt electricity will be provided to Karachi by 2021, while 800 MW electricity will be added before summers of 2022.

Asad Umar assured that the federal government would do their level best to solve the issues of the people of Pakistan.  “Even if after this the problems are not solved, we will take legal action. If a takeover is needed, that will be done,” he remarked.

He also said that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) would take action against the company regarding power cuts and would also release a report in this regard.

 On the occasion, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said that successful talks were held with all stakeholders of Karachi including electric supply company management.

Governor Ismail informed that he will himself raise the overbilling issue with NEPRA and an audit will be conducted on overbilling matter. “If overbilling was found, K-Electric CEO will refund the amount,” he announced.

After the meeting at Governor House, the PTI Karachi chapter leadership ended sit-in staged outside the K-Electric office.