The federal government has started the supply of 150MW to K-Electric from national grid to bridge the shortfall after signing a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) recently approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet. With the addition of 150MW, the total supply from national grid to the KE has reached 800 MW. The SPA between KE and Tapal Energy (Private) Limited (TEPL) for supply of 126 MW electricity expired on June 19, 2019.
Official sources told Business Recorder that in view of the availability of power in national grid and considering that any additional supply through national grid would provide relief to the consumers of KE, Power Division engaged with CPPA-G, NTDC, NPCC and K-Electric to evaluate and explore feasibility of any additional power supply to KE through national grid. Subsequently, various sessions were held for technical feasibility for supply of 150 MW to KE.
After long deliberations, it was concurred that power supply of 150 MW is technically feasible from three wind power plants, i.e. Zephyr, Tenaga and Dawood Hydro China, 50 MW each, in Gharo Sindh at 132 KV voltage.
All stakeholders agreed for provision of additional power supply to KE from three wind power plants.
The sources said, provision of 150 MW additional supply to K-Electric has been materialised through evacuation of a Power Purchase and Agency Agreement (PP&AA) among K-Electric, CPPA-G and NTDC for two years, extendable for another year with a consensus. It has been further agreed that the tariff to be paid by K-Electric to CPPA-G would be as per the basket price.
Minister for Power Omar Ayub on June 19, 2019 stated that Ministry of Power will support the provision of electricity to K-Electric customers. The contract issues between KE & Tapal will not affect the supply of power to Karachi residents.
An official told this scribe on Thursday that the federal government will not give any additional power to KE as the transmission line cannot bear more burden.