K-Electric responds to manghopir road protest over power outages

 K-Electric has responded to protests against prolonged power outages on Manghopir Road and surrounding areas, saying that electricity losses on some feeders in the area have exceeded 80 percent.

KARACHI: K-Electric has responded to protests against prolonged power outages on Manghopir Road and surrounding areas, saying that electricity losses on some feeders in the area have exceeded 80 percent.

According to a statement issued by K-Electric, the high level of line losses is primarily linked to widespread electricity theft, illegal connections commonly known as the “kundah” system and non-payment of electricity bills.

A K-Electric spokesperson said residents in the affected areas had continued to face issues related to electricity theft and unpaid bills. The utility company said the duration of load-shedding in an area depends on the level of electricity theft and line losses recorded there.

K-Electric urged residents of Manghopir to ensure timely payment of their electricity bills and avoid practices that contribute to increased losses across the power network.

The company explained that under its policy areas where line losses reach exceptionally high levels may face prolonged and scheduled load-shedding as a measure to protect the electricity distribution system.

According to K-Electric, when line losses exceed 70 or 80 percent the company takes steps to safeguard the network. The utility added that extremely high losses can also affect honest consumers in surrounding areas who regularly pay their electricity bills.

The statement came after residents staged a protest on Manghopir Road and nearby areas over the lack of electricity. The demonstration also affected traffic movement, causing difficulties for commuters and disrupting normal life in the area.

Power and water shortages have led to repeated protests in several parts of Karachi with residents demanding improved access to basic services.

The K-Electric Manghopir protest has once again highlighted the complex challenges facing Karachi’s electricity network including power theft unpaid bills high line losses and the impact of load-shedding on consumers.

While K-Electric has attributed the prolonged outages in high-loss areas to electricity theft and non-payment residents continue to demand reliable electricity services and relief from extended power cuts.

Traffic disruptions caused by the latest demonstration added to the difficulties faced by Karachi residents, particularly commuters using Manghopir Road and adjoining routes.