The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has formally held K-Electric (KE) responsible for 19 of the 35 deaths from electrocution in Karachi after recent spells of rain and initiated legal proceedings against the private power utility company.
“According to the investigation committee report, KE has been held responsible for 19 out of 35 electrocution cases and breakdown of power supply for longer duration,” claimed a Nepra statement. The regulatory authority has also issued a show-cause notice to KE on said charges.
The statement further mentioned, “The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has decided to initiate legal proceedings against K-Electric under relevant provisions of Nepra Act, 1997.”
Nepra has asked KE to submit a satisfactory response on the show cause notice it is being served, failure to do so will result in imposing the ban from rupees 10M to 200M, which will increase at the rate of rupees 100,000 per day in case of non-payment.
In response, K-Electric denied the charges by saying that most of the incidents occurred inside homes due to faulty wiring, illegal connections and the unwarranted placement of TV and internet cables on their electricity poles, and water logging around power installations.
The KE statement said that the power company takes several measures, including placing safety breakers on the network and earthing. The company had also appealed to all authorities to ensure drainage of water after the rain and the urban flooding.
It added that the power company is deeply saddened by the tragic incidents which occurred during the recent torrential rains and sympathizes with the affected families.
