Latest news with #Alvi
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
K-Electric urges govt to take control of 300 loss-making feeders
KARACHI: K-Electric wants the government to take control of 300 loss-making feeders, out of a total of 2,129, to make the city load-shedding-free, following criticism from government quarters, including the National Assembly's Standing Committee. Monis Alvi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of K-Electric, during a session with a group of journalists on Saturday, urged the government to establish a recovery mechanism for revenue -deficient distribution feeders, assuring that K-Electric would support the government's initiative to eliminate power outages in the metropolitan city. Alvi said that the company is willing to supply electricity to these loss-making feeders, provided the government takes responsibility for recovery operations. The CEO faced criticism from the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Power as well as the Sindh Assembly amid rising temperatures exceeding 41°C. The power utility has reportedly increased load-shedding in areas where transmission and distribution losses have reached 70 percent or higher. 'If the government takes control of these loss making 300 feeders, we would be very close to making Karachi load-shedding free,' Alvi said confidently. He explained that these 300 feeders account for 87 percent of the total losses incurred by the company, mentioning that 70 percent of the city is already exempt from power cuts. Regarding the new Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) for the supply segment from FY2024 to FY2030, Alvi said these determinations will not affect the electricity rates charged to customers, as these continue to be governed under the uniform tariff policy applicable across Pakistan. This decision marks a significant milestone for KE towards realizing its comprehensive investment plan 2030 that entails the company's efforts to further reduce losses in transmission and distribution network, drive growth in its customer base, and bolster power utility's infrastructure to meet current demands and future needs. He said that with the implementation of the renewed MYT, Karachi could become up to 90 percent load-shedding free by 2030. He noted that increased economic activity has led to a rise in electricity demand in Karachi and confirmed that K-Electric currently has the capacity to supply 4,500 megawatts of electricity to the city. By 2030, the number of electricity consumers in the city is expected to reach 5 million. The CEO expressed confidence that the utility would expand its transmission capacity to 5,000 megawatts. 'K-Electric currently has the capacity to supply 4,500 megawatts.' Alvi also mentioned that K-Electric is prepared to connect captive power industries to the grid and provide them with electricity. He added that the utility is willing to adhere to the agreed timeline for transitioning captive power users to the grid, in coordination with the government and relevant stakeholders. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-Electric proposes formula for loadshedding-free Karachi
Listen to article K-Electric has proposed a formula to eliminate electricity load-shedding in the metropolitan city. Three hundred out of 2,129 feeders in the metropolis account for 87% of power losses, which is the main reason for blackouts, KE's CEO Moonis Alvi said while speaking to a delegation of the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists (CEJ) on Saturday. 'If the government takes over these 300 feeders and manages the internal electricity distribution in these areas, K-Electric will be much closer to making Karachi load-shedding-free,' Alvi said, adding that KE is ready to supply electricity to these 300 feeders, but the responsibility for bill recovery from these areas would rest with the government. CEO Alvi claimed that 70% of Karachi is already exempt from load-shedding. K-Electric is working on introducing new technology to prevent power pilferage from feeders. He warned that any tampering with PMTs (Pole-Mounted Transformers) could lead to technical faults that may take up to three days to fix. He reiterated the offer to the government to help manage the internal electricity system in these areas. The KE CEO further stated that K-Electric's Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) will not adversely affect ordinary consumers. Rather, it will encourage foreign investment in the city's power supply system. 'The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority will review the MYT each year based on the level of investment,' he added. Alvi said that implementation of the MYT could make Karachi up to 90% load-shedding-free by 2030. By then, the number of power consumers in the metropolis is expected to reach five million, and power transmission will increase to 5,000MW. Responding to a question, Alvi said that KE is ready to supply electricity to captive power industries by connecting them to the grid. "We are prepared to follow the agreed timeline with the government and stakeholders for this transition." Industrial activity in Karachi has increased over the past few months, leading to a rise in electricity demand, he added.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rs5.02 tariff cut for KE consumers likely
Listen to article The consumers of K-Electric (KE) are set to enjoy a tariff relief of Rs5.02 per unit on account of fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for March 2025, which has been requested by the power utility in its petition submitted to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). In that regard, Nepra conducted a public hearing on Thursday. If approved, the KE consumers will enjoy a total relief of Rs6.79 billion. The regulator reviewed various operational and financial matters presented by KE, including cost claims, fuel use, system efficiency and measures against electricity theft in Karachi. KE CEO Moonis Alvi reiterated the utility's firm commitment to tackling power theft through all necessary measures, but highlighted that the efforts were often met with violent resistance from those engaged in unlawful practices. He pointed to violent mob attacks against the utility and its staff, including female employees. He said the company infrastructure remained under significant threat and recent incidents in P&T Colony and Nazimabad signalled the gravity of the situation, where even law enforcement agencies found it difficult to safely evacuate KE staff. There had been instances where employees were unable to leave office premises until the next morning, held hostage by mobs, he added. Alvi requested Nepra to urge citizens to refrain from electricity theft and, at the very least, begin paying their previous month's bills. The KE management stated that 70% of its feeders were exempt from load-shedding while the remaining network with high levels of theft and non-payment of bills continued to face scheduled outages. It cited infrastructure damage due to theft as a contributing factor to network faults. Disconnection drives were ongoing in the theft-prone areas amid public backlash including mob attacks. It clarified that disconnections should not be considered a fault in the system; those were largely disconnections because of non-payment. Nepra sought a month-wise breakdown of the generation cost claim of Rs14 billion submitted by KE as well as asked for detailed documentation under the partial cost adjustment categories. KE officials assured the regulator that the required breakdown would be provided. Questions were also raised about KE's furnace oil stock valuing at Rs5 billion for the Bin Qasim Power Station-I (BQPS-I), which had a dependable capacity of 350 megawatts. Nepra asked as to why power generation was still being planned based on residual fuel oil (RFO) if the plant was reportedly not operational. KE responded that maintaining the fuel stock was in accordance with the regulatory requirements and selling it at a loss would not be economically feasible. Regarding the generation mix, industrialist Rehan Javed emphasised the need for considering solar power projects in the upcoming Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) as there had been unofficial media reports about their exclusion; something that would be detrimental to consumers in terms of access to affordable electricity. Nepra dismissed the hearsay, saying no formal decision had been submitted so far and a public hearing would be conducted regarding the IGCEP. It would be early to share any opinion or judgement, it said. A consumer highlighted the KE's consecutive negative FCA since September 2024 and asked about its comparison with other power distribution companies (DISCOs). Nepra officials elaborated that currently the KE's FCA was benchmarked against the reference fuel cost of March 2023 at Rs15.99 and all adjustments were based on that, as per Nepra's approved mechanism. He pointed out that once the updated tariffs were approved, the difference in FCA rates compared to other DISCOs was expected to narrow. Responding to a question on fuel mix and the potential impact of natural gas availability, KE officials stated that access to local gas could significantly reduce generation costs. Local gas is priced around Rs9 per unit compared to Rs22-24 per unit for re-gasified liquefied natural gas. As demand rises during peak summer, both KE and Nepra reiterated the importance of transparency, regulatory compliance and collaborative efforts to improve service delivery.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SAI chief says now time to focus on economic battle
KARACHI: Ahmed Azeem Alvi, President of the SITE Association of Industry, expressed deep gratitude for Pakistan's recent military victory, attributing the success to divine support, public prayers, and the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army. He emphasised that with the military triumph secured, the nation must now shift its focus to focus on winning the economic battle. Alvi urged the government to prioritise economic development by involving the business community in policy-making. He called for measures to ease the tax burden on businesses and protect them from harassment by Federal Board of Revenue officials. Proposing a streamlined tax system, he suggested a one-window operation where industrialists and traders could deposit fixed amounts directly into official bank accounts to ensure transparency and reduce corruption. Appealing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, SAI chief highlighted the Prime Minister's business background, expressing confidence that he understands the challenges entrepreneurs face. He urged the government to make business-friendly decisions and shield the sector from harassment by regulatory bodies. He stressed that the business community is committed to expanding enterprises, creating jobs, and boosting foreign exchange reserves. He believes addressing these priorities will drive sustained economic progress. He said, 'Just as Pakistan succeeded on the battlefield, it can also achieve victory in the economic arena and emerge as a strong economic power.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India Today
07-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
This is bare minimum: Congress leader questions impact of Operation Sindoor
Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi said the Indian strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan were "bare minimum" and questioned if every single terrorist was killed in the attack. While the Congress leadership was unanimous in praising the armed forces for Operation Sindoor, Alvi struck a discordant note. "Much better reply needs to be given. This is the bare minimum. Our forces did what the government of India told them to do, but the question again arises. Was every single terrorist killed? Will there won't be another Pahalgam? PM (Narendra) Modi has said that the remaining land of terrorists will be destroyed... if that has happened, then it is good," Alvi told reporters, triggering a controversy. Incorrigible Congress asks for proof of air strikes once again, refuses to believe India's Defence Forces on #OperationSindoor Congress leader Rashid Alvi says, "Much better reply needs to be given, this is bare minimum. Our forces did what govt of India told them to do, but the Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) May 7, 2025 Kanchan Gupta, senior adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was quick to hit back at Alvi. "Incorrigible Congress asks for proof of airstrikes once again. Refuses to believe India's defence forces on Operation Sindoor," Gupta tweeted. Earlier this week, the Congress found itself in a soup after former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi sought proof of the surgical strike carried out against Pakistan in 2016 after the Uri attack. Even after the Balakot airstrikes in 2019, the Congress faced brickbats after a section of its leaders demanded evidence of the attack. Hours after the clock struck midnight, the armed forces struck nine terror camps in Pakistan in retaliation to the attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead. Sources told India Today TV that 80-90 terrorists are believed to have been killed. Alvi courted controversy last week as well after he termed the government's decision to ban all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan a "cosmetic step" and said the move would stand to hurt India more. "All these are cosmetic steps, but we are not opposing it. In fact, closing down exports and imports hurts us more. The balance, deficit is around 300 billion dollars, which used to benefit us, that is why this affects India more," the Congress leader told ANI.
