KARACHI: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has taken notice of complaints regarding persistent unannounced power outages in Karachi as well as the alleged overbilling of consumers.
According to a statement, by Nepra on Wednesday, K-Electric has been directed to submit a detailed report on the matter.
Nepra also noted that inflated electricity bills were being charged to consumers. “Strict directions have been given to K-Electric to take remedial steps and submit a detailed report to Nepra immediately.”
The statement further added that consumers who were receiving exorbitant bills could file complaints with Nepra’s regional office in Karachi or through their website, by providing the relevant documents.
People living in Karachi have complained about excessive billing and unannounced power outages that have added to the misery of soaring temperatures and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many people in different parts of the city took to the streets today to protest the power outages, blocking main roads and highways to bring the issue to the attention of the relevant officials.
Protesters said that power outages were also triggering a water crisis, adding to the burden on the common man.
Lamenting that the power-generating body is deliberately shutting down plants to optimize its profits, the protestors said that the electricity provider has “replaced copper wires with aluminum wires to save money”.
The said K-Electric authorities have launched its load-shedding for hours in the city causing great hardships to the citizens even in the hot days.
They complained that they were already bound to remain indoor due to COVID-19 spreading while temperature had now been increased as a result they were facing hardships indoor without power.
They also demanded the Prime Minister and other authorities to take serious notice of load-shedding particularly in a fragile situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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