The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has ordered K-Electric to stop unscheduled and unnecessary load shedding and ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers.
The regulatory authority said that K-Electric must immediately stop cutting power to entire feeders on the basis of electricity losses or low bill recovery.
Nepra said load shedding carried out on the basis of line losses and recovery was illegal.
The regulator said consumers who regularly pay their electricity bills should not be subjected to unjustified load shedding because of electricity theft or non-payment by other customers.
It stressed that K-Electric has a legal responsibility to provide electricity to consumers without discrimination.
Nepra directed the utility to adopt alternative measures to tackle electricity theft and distribution losses rather than disconnecting entire feeders.
The regulator instructed K-Electric to step up action against electricity thieves and defaulters and to take legal measures against those involved in power theft.
It also ordered the company to strengthen cooperation with law enforcement agencies to help tackle electricity theft.
Nepra further directed K-Electric to prepare a phased and time-bound plan to reduce electricity losses.
The regulator’s orders come amid continuing concerns over power supply and load shedding in Karachi, where K-Electric is the main electricity distribution company.
Nepra said measures to address losses and electricity theft must not result in unnecessary disruption to consumers who pay their bills regularly.
