In the most recent NEPRA data, K-Electric tops the fatality ranking.

The research states that 34 tragic incidents, including the deaths of 32 residents and two staff, occurred in K-Electric’s service areas.

A total of 140 fatal accidents in areas overseen by different power distribution companies were described in the NEPRA study. Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) recorded nine incidents, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) reported eighteen, and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) reported twenty-six fatalities.

Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) both reported nine fatalities, while Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) reported seven, Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) reported five, and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) reported three.

NEPRA chastised electricity providers for not meeting safety regulations, pointing out that rigorous attention to safety procedures may have avoided such tragedies. The regulatory body demanded quick action to guarantee adherence to safety rules in order to prevent other tragedies.

The research emphasises how urgently all power distribution firms must improve their safety protocols, with K-Electric’s performance causing serious worries.

NEPRA had just wrapped up its hearing on K-Electric’s yearly allegations of unrecoverable debts against persistent defaulters.

Numerous complaints regarding K-Electric’s right-of-claims between FY17 and FY23 were brought forward by customers throughout the hearing, underscoring the significant difficulties that Karachi’s citizens and companies confront.

According to a statement from K-Electric, these expenses can be claimed in the multi-year tariff granted to the company, which is separate from the monthly electricity rates that consumers pay on their bills under the uniform tariff scheme.

K-Electric went on to explain that the Rs68 billion included in the hearing had accumulated over a seven-year period and is essential to the company’s long-term financial viability.

Despite the best efforts against defaulters, which included several disconnections, contact with specialised recovery organisations, and area-specific activities, the statement stated that these monies could not be recovered.

“The NEPRA Authority required that the submissions undergo rigorous internal review and external audits by a reputable and accredited audit firm,” KE claimed.

“Unlike DISCOs, as a private utility, KE has no contribution to the national circular debt, which has been recognised by the World Bank and renowned global institutions,” said K-Electric spokesperson during the event.

“Disallowing legitimate claims will therefore directly impact KE’s cash flows, affecting our capacity to fulfil plans to drive infrastructural upgrades for enhanced power supply to Karachi,” the representative urged.

K-Electric added that it will keep interacting with the regulator in a proactive manner on this issue.