Karachi – Monis Alvi, Chief Executive Officer of K-Electric, has expressed his support for the entry of
other electricity distribution companies in Karachi, stating that competition would foster an
environment where performance could be fairly evaluated. Speaking at the Korangi Association of Trade
and Industry (KATI), Alvi emphasized that K-Electric should not be restricted to Karachi and should be
allowed to expand its operations to other cities across Pakistan.
Addressing a gathering of industrialists at KATI, Alvi highlighted K-Electric’s efforts in advocating against
Power Holding Limited (PHL) charges on multiple forums, including NEPRA.
During the meeting KATI President Johar Qandhari, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Vice President
Muslim Mohammadi, Vice Chairman Standing Committee Rehan Javed, Former Presidents and Chairman
Masood Naqi, Ehtshamuddin, Sheikh Fazal-e-Jalil, Farrukh Mazhar, Chief Financial Officer of K-Electric
Amir Ghaziani, Chief of Staff Farah Naz, Distribution Head Sheikh Humayun Sagheer, Director External
Affairs Asmar Naeem, DGM External Affairs Umbreen Malik, Regional Head Faisal Khan, Cluster Head
KIMZ Danish Siddiqui, Focal Person Ikram Qaimkhani and a large number of members were present.
Monis Alvi reiterated that K-Electric is not involved in the country’s circular debt issue, yet Karachi’s
citizens are forced to pay these additional charges. He called upon the business community to join
forces with K-Electric to work towards eliminating such surcharges and raise these concerns with the
government, Ministry of Energy, and NEPRA.
Alvi also discussed the company’s achievements in net metering, noting that K-Electric’s performance in
this area is among the best. However, the shipment of meters has been delayed due to recent typhoon
threats, leaving many consumers waiting. K-Electric has requested NEPRA to allow consumers to install
meters that meet K-Electric’s standards. Furthermore, he announced that the system for new user
connections and name changes has been made fully online.
On the issue of connections for cottage industries in Mehran Town, Alvi stated that while NEPRA’s
regulations apply, immediate connections would be provided to those with commercial plots.
KATI President Johar Qandhari welcomed the K-Electric team and acknowledged the company’s
significant role in supplying electricity to Karachi’s industrial sector. He praised K-Electric for investing
PKR 3 billion in improving the city’s power infrastructure, while also pointing out areas that require
improvement. Qandhari noted that the Korangi Industrial Zone, with a sanctioned power load of 600
MW, is the largest industrial zone in Pakistan, and K-Electric teams are actively supporting KATI
members in addressing power needs.
Qandhari expressed concerns over new connection delays and general maintenance issues that are
hindering industrial growth. He highlighted the increase in power outages during the summer and called
for urgent attention to this issue. He also emphasized that Karachi consumers are being burdened with
additional tariffs, including PHL charges, amounting to approximately PKR 5 per unit, despite having no
role in the country’s circular debt.
Qandhari suggested that renewable energy projects, such as solar and hydropower, should be
integrated into the system to reduce tariffs and improve supply. He supported the idea of allowing other
distribution companies (DISCOS) to operate in Karachi to create competition and improve services for
consumers.
Rehan Javed, Vice Chairman of KATI’s Standing Committee, added that the current electricity cost of PKR
50 to 60 per unit is unsustainable for industries. He stressed the importance of uninterrupted power
supply and reducing tariffs to sustain industrial production.
