KARACHI – High official’s delegation from K-Electric, led by Director External Affairs Asmer Naeem, visited SITE Association of Industry, and had meeting with office bearers of the Association to discuss issues related to KE as well as KE plans for summer to meet demand & supply requirements.
The delegation comprised KE officials namely Humayun Saghir, Farah Naz, Nabeel Arain and Ambreen Malik. President SITE Association Suleman Chawla, Vice President Farhan Ashrafi, Immediate Past President Saleem Parekh were present on this occasion.
Director External Affairs Asmer Naeem stated that KE has made preparations to meet summer demand of SITE industries and every industrial consumer is important to us. We have made arrangements to provide one window services to them.
SAI president Suleman Chawla appreciated the working of KE officials working in the SITE area for their timely response. Billing issues of factories closed during lockdown also came under discussion. He informed that this month, a lot of issues related to billing were faced including ISPA charges, late payment charges, installment issues and tariff issues of the textile sector (7.5 cents/KWH).
Former president Saleem Parekh added that all those who paid ISPA will get adjustment if the court decides against K-Electric either Petitioner or non-Petitioner. They confirmed that the benefit announced for 70-KW load consumers has already been passed on as per directives of the government.
Saleem Parekh highlighted issues being faced by the zero-rated sector in getting the required certificate from FBR which is mandatory to obtain a special tariff of 7.5 cents/KWH and asked for cooperation from KE. Those customers to whom KE has already given 7.5 cents/KWH tariff, the facility should be extended till 30th June 2020 as per FBR Notice.
Regarding summer load requirements, Asmer Naeem said that we anticipate the load of 3400 KW this year in summer. Negotiations are also in progress with the Govt to get extra load.
Impact of reduction in oil prices on electricity & gas also came under discussion. Asmer Naeem said that KE tariff is regulated by NEPRA. Unless tariff of all DISCOs is revised, there will be no revision in KE tariff based on reduced oil prices.
Saleem Parekh stated that customers will shift from KE to gas/RLNG if the tariff is not reduced and quoted a bulk consumer who was interested in switching to gas. RLNG is a much cheaper option than natural gas.
Suleman Chawla added that in future, KE should not depend on SSGC for natural gas, instead go for RLNG.
