Low gas pressure continues to impact KE's generation capability

K-Electric (KE) continues to be challenged by low gas pressure from the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), said Karachi’s sole energy provider in statement issued on Friday.

“While the quantity of the required gas remains available, decreased pressure leads to a decline of 250MW to 300MW in electricity supply at a time when demand is high,” it said. “Because of low gas pressure, KE’s power plants at Korangi and SITE are not able to operate at their optimum capacity despite remaining fully available.”

To resolve this issue, KE has requested to purchase re-liquefied natural gas (RLNG), if made available at required gas pressure, to meet short term requirements and is awaiting confirmation on the same.

At the same time, the power utility has also requested the federal government to increase supply from the national grid till 800MW from existing NKI and Jamshoro interconnections.

KE’s furnace-oil fired power plants are fully functional at this time.

The company has expressed concerns that the continued curtailment of gas pressure may lead to socio-economic challenges due to increase in load shedding hours across all consumer segments including industrial zones.