KARACHI: Frequent power cuts, fluctuation hit city
KARACHI, Dec 4: There have been widespread complaints of intermittent breakdowns and fluctuation in power supply besides several rounds of unscheduled power outages across the city despite a considerable drop in the temperature and ultimate decline in electricity demand.
Already enraged by inflated billing, power consumers on Thursday complained of suspension in supply for long duration several times during Wednesday night and said the situation persisted on Thursday.
A consumer speaking from DHA, Phase-V, said that frequency of power fluctuation had increased considerably over the last four days, especially after sunset. Pointing out that the fluctuation was posing a serious threat to costly appliances, she angrily said the KESC must explain why the situation was persisting now when there were no more hot summer days. Many other residents of the Phase-V had the same complaint.
Residents of many localities in Bahadurabad, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, Federal B Area, Liaquatabad, Orangi, Site, Golimar, Korangi, Landhi, DHA, Mehmoodabad, Gulberg and New Karachi areas said they were experiencing multiple and prolonged power outages during both day and night hours.
Low generation
There were reports of under-frequency operation of some power generation units for some days. The Units 3 and 4 of the Bin Qasim power plant were down for, what KESC spokesperson Ayesha Eirabie, termed, “routine maintenance”. These units have been lying shut alternatively over a fortnight either for maintenance or some other reasons. However,sources said the utility had reduced its generation amid a sharp drop in supply from Wapda, which itself was facing a big shortfall owing to a row with some other stakeholders over outstanding dues of around Rs40 billion. The KESC is also pursuing the policy of saving on fuel cost.
According to sources, more than a dozen feeders had been neutralised due to the under-frequency operations, causing tripping of feeders.
Excessive billing
Meanwhile, complaints of excessive billing by the KESC were piling up with the KESC adding 40 per cent to the normal bills for this month’s consumption. The 40 per cent relief had been provided to consumers under a government directive aimed at containing widespread unrest over an unprecedented increase in power tariff announced a few months back.
Following government’s decision to lower the electricity tariff, the KESC had decided that adjustments based on the revised power tariff would be accommodated gradually in the subsequent bills. It was also decided to slash 40 per cent of the increased bill until a final decision was taken about the quantum of tariff increase.
Tension in the city is brewing once again as small traders have declared they will resume their protest campaign from Friday against government and the KESC.
President of the All Pakistan Organisation of Small Traders and Cottage Industries, Karachi, Mahmood Hamid said traders would never accept the 70 per cent increase in power tariff. “We will rather stop paying bills,” he added.