Technical fault at Bin Qasim power plant leads to 130 MW shortfall: KE

KARACHI: K-Electric (KE) on Tuesday informed that a technical fault at the Bin Qasim power plant has resulted in a 130-megawatt power shortage in the metropolis.

According to a statement issued by KE spokesperson, due to a technical fault at one unit of Bin Qasim Power Plant, the power utility is facing a 130 MW reduction in power generation capacity, which will lead to temporary load management in low-loss areas.

The spokesperson further said that load management would be carried out in half of the industrial zones to provide relief to the residential customers. Customers have been informed in advance and the schedule of load management is available on the website of K-Electric, it added.

Furthermore, in response to PTAPA’s (cable operators) statement, K-Electric has strongly reasserted its determination to continue its drive against illegal encroachment of its infrastructure by TV and internet cables which are a major safety hazard.

KE informed that in various conversations with the local authorities including Commissioner Karachi and with KE, PTAPA assured they will shift their illegal and unsafe wires to a safe underground system. The first phase of this project on 50 locations was supposed to complete by July 20, 2020.

In the broad interest of the public, KE had also offered technical support to cable operators to ensure the project is completed before the start of the monsoon season. However, despite the deadline certain cable operators have failed in their commitments, the spokesperson added.

The KE had launched a large-scale operation to remove unauthorized cable TV and internet wires which are encroaching on KE poles throughout the metropolis.

According to their press statement during the operation, they removed several illegal cables and ‘kundas’ from its infrastructure in different areas of the city.