ISLAMABAD: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the federal government to directly distribute the upcoming Winter Support Package to Karachi consumers, bypassing K-Electric (KE). The power utility currently owes approximately Rs 100 billion to its customers, according to KCCI President Jawed Bilwani.
In a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Bilwani highlighted unresolved grievances, including KE’s failure to pass on benefits from previous relief measures such as the incremental electricity consumption package introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the Rs 42 billion allocated under that package, only Rs 7–9 billion has been disbursed, with KE obtaining a stay order to block the refund of the remaining Rs 33 billion.
Bilwani also pointed to a Rs 47 billion clawback from KE’s Multi-Year Tariff (2009–2016) and multiple fines imposed by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), none of which have been returned to consumers.
The KCCI recommended standardizing the Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) across all Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to address tariff disparities. It emphasized that any relief under the Winter Support Package should bypass KE to ensure direct benefit to consumers.
In response, a KE spokesperson defended the company’s actions, citing litigation as a legitimate recourse and affirming compliance with court decisions and regulatory guidelines. KE assured transparency in passing government subsidies to consumers and highlighted structural differences in its tariff compared to other DISCOs.
The KCCI has called for an investigation and a mechanism to ensure consumers receive refunds and relief directly, bypassing the legal and operational hurdles associated with KE.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
