Instead of ensuring uninterrupted power supply to mitigate the intense heat-wave effects, K-Electric has begun undeclared and prolonged power load-shedding in different parts of the metropolis. "Rising temperature and reduction in gas pressure has affected the generation capacity of some of KE power plants which has led to the need for load management in certain areas," K-Electric spokesman said.
The worst-affected areas include: Lyari, Keamari, Safoora Goth, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block-2, Korangi, Malir's Ghazi Town, Jafar-e-Tayyar Society, Shah Faisal Colony, North Karachi, etc.
The KE spokesman said the rising temperature during peak summer has led to a sharp increase in the electricity demand; however, the K-Electric has made continuous investments in its generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to be able to fulfill its commitment of providing maximum relief to its.
The aforementioned factors and the need to manage the increased load led to a temporary interruption in electricity supply to some parts of Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, North Karachi and North Nazimabad.
Meanwhile, SSGC denied K-Electric's statement. It clarified that SSGC has not reduced gas supply to K-Electric. "SSGC would like to bring on record that gas supply to K-Electric has not been reduced rather the gas utility is providing additional 10-15 mmcfd of natural gas to KE," it said.
It further clarified: "Against KE's demand of 190 mmcfd, SSGC is providing 210 mmcfd gas on a monthly average basis to the power company, only in the best interest of Karachiites who are experiencing scorching heat nowadays.
The SSGC also rejected the KE's claim that low pressure gas is supplied. It said SSGC is supplying gas with full pressure to all four power plants of KE. To Bin Qasim power plant, SSGC is supplying 140 mmcfd at 104 psi, to Korangi Creek plant commonly known as Combine Cycle Plant, SSGC is providing 26 mmcfd gas at 55 psi, to Korangi Industrial Area power plant, SSGC is supplying 12 mmcfd gas at 35 psi whereas to the SITE Area Sher Shah Power Plant SSGC is providing 14 mmcfd gas at 30 psi.
KE spokesman said on-ground teams have been working round the clock to ensure timely restoration of power supply to these areas."Our teams are available round the clock to address any localised faults and customers can reach out to our call centers on 118 or via text message on 8119. Customers can also direct their queries to KE's social media platforms or through the KE Live app." the spokesman said.
It is relevant to mention here that severe heat-wave had claimed nearly two thousand lives across the city back in 2015 because of acute water and electricity shortages. Karachiites expressed severe disenchantment over K-Electric for carrying out load shedding.
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