Monis Alvi, K-Electric’s Chief Executive Officer, has expressed his support for the entry of other electricity distribution companies in Karachi. He stated 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 to advocate 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.
Regarding 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 pointing out areas requiring 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 delays in new connections and general maintenance issues hindering industrial growth. He highlighted the increased 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 allowing other distribution companies (DISCOS) to operate in Karachi to create competition and improve consumer services.
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.
Photo Caption: KATI President Johar Qandhari presents the shield to K-Electric CEO Monis Alvi. Also present are Nighat Awan, Muslim Mohammadi, Masood Naqi, Ehtshamuddin, Syed Farrukh Mazhar, and Amir Ghaziani.
