NEPRA to Debate Load Factor in Karachi Following KATI Proposal

The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has called for the immediate withdrawal of the recently imposed fuel surcharge and urged the release of a Rs33 billion incremental consumption package that was promised during the Covid period.

Responding to the proposal, Member Technical (Sindh) of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), Rafiq Ahmed Sheikh, announced that a formal debate on the power load factor in Karachi will be initiated. He added that efforts are ongoing to address power tariff issues and challenges faced by the industrial sector.

Sheikh made the remarks during an interactive session at KATI, which was attended by industrialists both in person and via Zoom.

He highlighted that, in recent years, industrial associations and stakeholders have been increasingly consulted in policy and decision-making for the power sector. “In this regard, meetings were held with industrialists in Faisalabad, Sialkot, KATI and the Karachi Chamber, which proved highly beneficial in understanding industry issues more comprehensively,” he said.

Sheikh emphasized that NEPRA’s primary objective is to protect the interests of both consumers and the private sector. “Global best practices also support stakeholder representation in the consultative process to ensure greater transparency,” he added.

Appreciating the commitment and patriotic spirit shown by industrialists, Sheikh noted that while stakeholders are fulfilling their responsibilities diligently, “certain systemic flaws continue to create challenges that need to be urgently addressed.”

KATI President Ikram Rajput criticized the current structure of power distribution, stating, “It is an undeniable reality that Karachi’s industry is being used to subsidise loss-making power distribution companies in other parts of the country, which is completely unacceptable.” He reiterated the demand for the immediate withdrawal of the fuel surcharge and urged authorities to release the Rs33 billion incremental consumption package promised during the Covid period.