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Karachi Electric (KE) has announced its load shedding schedule following a routine review of the company’s network, encompassing over 2,000 feeders. The last review was conducted in September 2023. The updated schedule, effective from January 1, 2024, remains largely consistent with the previous regime.
The spokesperson for KE emphasized that the company regularly assesses its network, taking into account factors such as regular bill payment and electricity theft. Approximately 71% of the network receives uninterrupted power supply, while the remaining 29% experiences load shedding, with a maximum duration of 10 hours per day. The company continues to collaborate with customers and elected representatives to enhance electricity supply through community engagement, vigilance against theft, and governance measures.
Areas with improved bill payment and reduced line losses, such as Gulistan-e-Johar Block 8 and Block 9, will see a reduction in load shedding duration by up to 6 hours. Conversely, areas with a deteriorating loss profile, like Landhi 37A and Muslim Town in North Karachi, may experience an increase in load shedding duration, up to 6 hours in some cases.
The spokesperson highlighted the company’s commitment to eradicating power theft, emphasizing that sustaining “free electricity” in areas with low bill payments is no longer feasible. KE has conducted over 24,000 drives in the city, removing more than 230,000 kilograms of illegal wires involved in power theft. The power utility collaborates with the government and law enforcement agencies in the national campaign against electricity theft.
The load shedding schedule reflects the ongoing efforts by KE to balance electricity distribution and address challenges at the grassroots level, aiming to ensure a more reliable power supply across Karachi.
