Karachi, March, 25, 2020: Committed to playing its due role in the fight to control the COVID-19 outbreak, K-Electric has decided to suspend physical meter reading in the interest of the safety of its employees, and that of its customers. In light of this, KE bills to its residential and commercial customers will be calculated based on their average number of units consumed, in line with National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) guidelines for circumstances where physical meter reading is not possible.
The power utility has also decided to extend the due date for bills below PKR 4,000 to April 10, 2020. Since bill-delivery activities may also be impacted by the current situation, customers can conveniently visit the KE website at www.ke.com.pk to see their payable bill amount or download duplicate bills. Customers can also receive their bill via SMS by typing ‘BILL’ space ‘13 digit Account number” and sending the SMS to 8119. To comply with COVID-19 restrictions customers are advised to avoid physically visiting banks for bill payments. To facilitate customers, KE has ensured the availability of alternate payment portals including mobile banking, Easy Paisa, Jazz Cash or ATMs.
While a number of banks have agreed to provide a deposit slip option in the absence of a physical bill, customers must mention their 13-digit account number on the deposit slip as well as payable amount. This service can be availed at Askari Bank Limited, Bank Al Habib Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited, Faysal Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Habib Metro Bank Limited, Meezan Bank Limited and MCB Bank Limited. A complete list of e-payment solutions is also available at the KE website.
The power utility is committed to standing by Karachi and its foremost priority at this point in time is to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its over 2.8 million customers. As such, critical centers such as power stations and load dispatch centers will stay operational with essential staff to provide uninterrupted power to the citizens of Karachi. Annual preventive maintenance (APM) activities have also been suspended until further notice. Customers can get in touch with KE via its website or the 24/7 helpline at 118.
Many economically vulnerable groups are KE’s priority during these challenging times and as such the power utility KE appeals to consumers to ensure timely payment of electricity bills as this will go towards managing operational costs including fuel payments. Both of these underpin continuity of power supply, which has become even more critical in the fight against COVID-19.