Targeted subsidy programme for consumers in Karachi: Energy Dept, KE directed to undertake study

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the Energy Department and K-Electric to jointly undertake a study on a targeted subsidy programme for electricity consumers in Karachi, aimed at providing relief to vulnerable households.

He directed the formulation of proposals to provide affordable electricity to low-income neighbourhoods and industrial areas, while stressing the need to reduce load-shedding in poor localities as summer begins. He issued these directions while meeting Chairman K-Electric Shahryar Chishti at the CM House on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by K-Electric CEO Syed Taha and others. PSCM Agha Wasif, Secretary Energy Shuhab Ansari also attended the meeting.

Expressing concern over prolonged power outages in underprivileged areas, the chief minister said the onset of summer had increased hardship for low-income communities and emphasised that a practical solution must be found to reduce load-shedding, particularly in poorer neighbourhoods.

“We want load-shedding to be reduced, especially in low-income areas, and a sustainable solution should be worked out so poor communities are not burdened by long outages,” the chief minister said.

During the meeting, Murad Ali Shah directed that a study be undertaken on a targeted subsidy programme for electricity consumers in Karachi, aimed at providing relief to vulnerable households.

Discussing long-term solutions, the chief minister stressed the need to generate cheaper electricity, particularly through the utilisation of Thar Coalfield coal, and proposed that low-cost electricity generated from Thar be supplied to K-Electric so it could be provided uninterruptedly at affordable rates to poor localities.

He also said the Sindh government was exploring a partnership with K-Electric to develop a plan for supplying competitively priced electricity to industrial areas to support productivity and reduce costs.

Chairman K-Electric Shahryar Chishti assured the chief minister that K-Electric was ready to work in cooperation with the Sindh government on measures aimed at consumer relief and improved service delivery. He observed that low-cost power generation was essential for sustainable relief to consumers.

The chief minister directed the Energy department to prepare multiple proposals for providing cheaper electricity and announced the formation of a committee comprising the Commissioner Karachi, Secretary Energy and the CEO of K-Electric.

The committee will present recommendations on supplying affordable electricity to low-income areas and explore viable subsidy and supply mechanisms.

The meeting also reviewed broader energy cooperation between the Sindh government and K-Electric, with a focus on affordability, uninterrupted supply and support for vulnerable consumers.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026