KARACHI: K-Electric strongly condemned the misinformation and frivolous allegations being spread by some quarters regarding digital meters terming them not just false but pure fiction. The power utility highlighted that digital meters are purchased from ISO certified manufacturers and installed as per respective guidelines.
KE spokesperson also highlighted that no mechanism exists to remotely influence meter readings of digital meters in any way. Any claims otherwise are factually incorrect, he said.
The spokesperson also highlighted that Smart Meters, on the other hand, are state-of-the-art metering systems that are used in developed countries to “read” the meters remotely to enable fully automated billing without any human intervention. Contrary to certain beliefs, even readings of Smart Meters cannot be influenced remotely, he said.
He further clarified that the government has implemented a “uniform tariff policy” across the country, including Karachi, and the slabs of electricity are also implemented across Pakistan. “No change has been made by K-Electric in the tariff, slabs or taxes charged to the consumers of Karachi,” he said adding that the applicable tariff charged was in line with the tariff notified by the government.
Moreover, billing is done as per regulatory processes and guidelines, he said.
The spokesperson also said that the K-Electric had invested significantly on technological up-gradation including implementation of SAP IS-U, the world’s leading system for billing and use of handheld devices for meter reading which ensures efficiency, eliminates human intervention and creates transparency. He added that the KE had also been endorsed by various national and regional stakeholders for ensuring best practices of disclosure and transparency in its reporting.
“The power utility remains fully committed to its vision statement of ‘energizing Karachi’ and is determined to eradicate power theft,” he concluded.
