Karachi: While addressing the 3rd Financial Reform for Economic Development (FRED) Forum, K-Electric’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Moonis Alvi claimed that the power utility has invested some $ 2 billion in its power infrastructure since 2009.
The investment, he said has resulted in addition of 1,057 megawatts to its system, strengthening of distribution network, increasing the transmission capacity along with deployment of several customer centric solutions.
“Our initial efforts helped rehabilitate and turn the Bin Qasim power plant more efficient,” Moonis said. “Then we brought online more plants while adding 1,057 megawatts to the system. We also added more grid stations and changed cables, including bringing in Aerial Bundle Cables to reduce tripping, distribution losses and power theft. It also helped to reduce load shedding.”
Moonis further said that KE has so far not paid any dividend as the profits have been re-invested into the business. “This has resulted in exemption (from power outage) of 70 percent of Karachi including all industrial zones and strategic installations.” KE executive said the continuous stream of investment from KE has further strengthened the power infrastructure and “reinforced its long-term commitment to serve the people of Karachi.”
K-Electric meets energy demands of Karachi and some adjoining parts of Balochistan. Currently, KE’s five plants in combined cycle have the installed generation capacity of 2,267 megawatts. The power utility has also established 30 customer care centers which, through one-window operation, offer solutions to the consumers in addition to operate an award-winning contact center.
