In response to baseless allegations being leveled by some quarters, the K-Electric has re-iterated that it refutes any claims of over-billing, including falsely proclaimed Rs 62 billion, declaring them all as baseless and void. These claims have already been completely rejected after a detailed review by the competent authorities.
The power utility strongly condemns misinformation and unfounded allegations being spread by certain individuals, which has mainly emerged after the drive against power theft and illegal abstraction.
With regards to the cost of electricity, the government has implemented a “Uniform Tariff Policy” across Pakistan, including Karachi.
All the billing is done as per regulatory processes and guidelines. The KE offers a wide range of customer care touch points from its call centers, live chat via SMS, 24/7 operational social media, centralized handling of complaints via web, dedicated customer care offices in 29 IBCs for mobilizing mobile vans across the city, facilitating consumers at their doorstep. Furthermore, under the law, the consumers have various forums available for raising billing concerns or other complaints, including the Electric Inspector, the Federal Ombudsman, and the honorable courts along with NEPRA.
During the past six months, out of the 15 million bills generated by the utility, only 0.07pc were referred and heard by the Federal Ombudsman, whereas 83pc cases were decided in favor/settled in the favor of KE. It is pertinent to mention that all the cases were not limited to just billing. The remaining cases, those not in favor, make only 0.01pc of the total billing during the same period by K Electric, and is considerably low, given any operational standards for power utilities.
K-Electric has invested significantly on technological upgradation, including the implementation of SAP IS-U, the world’s leading system for billing and the use of handheld devices for meter reading which ensures efficiency, eliminates human intervention and creates transparency. KE has also been endorsed by various national and regional stakeholders for ensuring best practices of disclosure and transparency in its reporting.
The power utility reiterated that its prime responsibility is to serve the people of Karachi. KE has also intensified the overall drive against power theft and illegal abstraction. The installation of kunda-resistant Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC), which is a novel concept for power distribution, guaranteeing both safety and higher system efficiency around the world. K-Electric has converted around 2,200 PMTs into ABC, which has resulted in noticeable reduction of power theft and hence; load shedding in many areas. The power utility continues to have a vision of load shed free city and requests the community at large to help curb the menace of theft to help achieve this vision.
