Karachi industry cries out over power tariffs

K-Electric has said it is putting Rs15 billion into upgrading its power network, with the aim of giving industrial users a steady supply, according to Dawn. The pledge came from board chairman Shaheryar Chishti, who spoke to members of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry on Tuesday. He described plans to lay fresh cables, strengthen grids and split feeders, and noted that the utility's network now includes more than 2,100 feeders.

The remarks followed complaints from trade and industry about costly tariffs. KATI president Muhammad Ikram Rajput said high power and energy costs, along with fuel charges, surcharges and payments for unused capacity, were squeezing manufacturers and weakening their competitiveness in regional and export markets. He called on the government to review industrial tariffs and to consult factory owners on a system offering competitive rates.

Mr Chishti clarified that tariff changes lie outside K-Electric's authority, though the company is working with relevant institutions on the issues. Other measures include smart metering and a move toward a smart grid, along with new feeders to address power-quality problems in industrial areas near residential settlements.