A public hearing to discuss the longstanding loadshedding issues in
A number of public representatives technical experts representatives of different entities members of business community journalists and the consumers of
Nepra Chairman
'We have gathered here today to discuss the issue of loadshedding in
'Under normal circumstances load shedding in
Alvi said that
He said that KEs plants ran out of oil and not only KE but the governments thermal power plants also faced supply shortages.
'PSO got permission to import oil for KEs power plants after much delay' Alvi said.
The KE chief said that due to increased demand for electricity in the summer loadshedding has to be done even in areas otherwise exempt.
'Our request for additional power from the nation grid is never considered' he complained.
Alvi said that currently KE takes 720MW to 730MW from the national grid.
Chairman Farooqui taking into account the statement by the KE chief asked whether KE must be held responsible for Karachis electricity woes since
At this the KE chief vehemently denied being responsible. 'KE cannot be blamed for the current situation' he said.
Farooqui said that KE should have foreseen the increase in demand and planned to meet the shortfall in advance.
MNA
The Nepra chairman during the hearing also showed disapproval over the KE chief finance officer responding to customers queries instead of the chief executive during the video conference.
'Where is the CEO' asked Farooqui to which he was told that Alvi is away on a call with the power ministry.
'The CEO cannot get up and leave a court hearing' remarked the Nepra chairman adding that the power utility has frequently been taken to court over various matters.
'
Sheikh said he doesnt wish to assign blame to anyone and invited the federal government to also come down to the city so the issue can be resolved 'once and for all'.
To this Vice Chairman Chatha responded by saying that the authority will soon pay the city a visit.
'Will Nepra end K-Electrics monopoly in
'Nepra wants to create a competitive environment in the power sector' the Nepra chairman assured them.
All
The Nepra chairman said the purpose of the hearing had been to gather all the facts and that a verdict will be issued at a later date.
© Pakistan Press International, source