ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has imposed a hefty Rs 25 million fine on K-Electric (KE) for its failure to respond effectively to the nationwide power breakdown of January 2023, holding the utility responsible for poor system preparedness and operational inefficiency.
According to NEPRA’s detailed findings, K-Electric’s black start facilities — designed to restore power after a system collapse — failed multiple times due to frequent tripping and inadequate testing. The regulator stated that the company’s inability to conduct proper mock exercises and system checks reflected serious negligence, violating multiple provisions under the NEPRA Act, Licensing Rules, and the Grid Code.
While KE maintained that the breakdown originated from faults in the National Transmission and Despatch Company’s (NTDC) 500 kV transmission system, NEPRA dismissed the argument, saying the utility must maintain its own resilience and readiness to handle grid disturbances independently.
The authority has directed K-Electric to pay the fine within 15 days, warning that failure to do so will result in recovery under Section 41 of the NEPRA Act, allowing the fine to be treated as recoverable land revenue.
In response, K-Electric called NEPRA’s decision “unexpected” and stated that it is currently reviewing the order before announcing further action. The fine adds to growing criticism of the utility’s operational standards amid persistent complaints from Karachi’s residents over frequent outages and inconsistent supply.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.