KARACHI: K-Electric has planned to include around 2,100 megawatts of electricity to its system by the summer 2023 to meet the power demand of Karachi.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi told Business Recorder on the sidelines of his press conference that the power utility was making investments in power generation, transmission and distribution upgradation, while the federal government has also committed to expediting infrastructure upgrades.
While sharing the medium actions agreed with the government, Moonis said the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) will evaluate rehabilitation of Jamshoro-KDA Circuits to provide an additional 300 MW to KE system before summer 2021.
With the first unit of Bin Qasim Power Station-III (BQPS-III) coming online, total addition will be 550 MW by summer 2021, and by summer 2022, an additional 800 MW as 400 MW through construction of new 220kV Dhabeji Grid, and 400 MW through 2nd unit of BQPS-III would be added to the system.
Similarly, by summer 2023, Moonis said further 800 MW will be added through construction of new 500 kV grid to evacuate power from K2/K3.
In addition, K-Electric will be investing in interconnection infrastructure with a view to evacuating additional power from the national grid on priority.
In this regard, the power utility has already sought necessary regulatory and governmental approvals, and following the timely receipt of the same, K-Electric will be in a position of materialize the large-scale power projects that would move Karachi into a power surplus position, Moonis briefed.
Earlier, while addressing the press conference on 'power situation of Karachi' at KE office Alvi said that the power utility is making its all out efforts to resolve the power woes of Karachi - the economic and commercial hub of the country through an ambitious investment plan which he said would see $ 2 billion spent across the power value chain over the next three years including a 900 MW RLNG-fired power plant.
Regarding the current power supply situation of the city, the CEO appreciated the support of the Federal Government in streamlining fuel supplies which had created a considerable strain on generation units.
He accepted the fact that more loads shedding is being carried out in Karachi in order meet the demand and supply gape. KE system is facing a power shortfall of up to 450 MW during the current peak season.
He added that gas and furnace oil related arrangements had been discussed and agreed with the Ministry and depending on appropriate gas pressure and regular fuel supplies.
KE's power generation could be maximized. The technical fault at one turbine of the Bin Qasim Power Station (BQPS) - 1 was also being swiftly rectified with teams working around the clock and power supply position was expected to be fully normalized shortly.
Since 2009, KE has invested over USD 2.4 billion in power infrastructure upgrades and additions, adding 1057 MW to its own generation capacity and 1000 MW through Power Purchase Agreements, building 13 grid stations and upgrading distribution system through hundreds of additional feeders and thousands of additional transformers.
These have reduced Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses from 36 percent to 19 percent, resulting in load-shed exemption for 77 percent of Karachi including all industrial zones, percent reminded, he said.
"Our first focus right now is addressing the upcoming Monsoon challenges which include urban flooding and drainage issues. We are working closely with all relevant authorities in the interest of public safety and we request the support of our friends in the media fraternity to further propagate messages related to public health and safety," KE CEO said.
KE's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Aamir Ghaziani and Chief Distribution Officer (CDO) Amer Zia were also present on the occasion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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