Karachi, October 8, 2024: K-Electric (KE), with the support of the law-enforcement agencies, is actively conducting operations against electricity thieves and the illegal “kunda” mafia. Over the past three months (July, August, and September 2024), the power utility launched 78 anti-kunda drives in Lyari, removing 7,400 illegal connections, weighing 9,100kg in total from K-Electric’s infrastructure. These illegal connections were responsible for stealing 1.1 million units of electricity. During this period, two FIRs were filed, and four cases were registered with the FIA.
Electricity theft remains a major challenge in the city. Illegal kunda connections bypass the network’s safety protocols, posing significant risks to K-Electric’s infrastructure and the public. K-Electric continues its efforts to reduce losses and protect the power infrastructure.
Electricity theft and unpaid bills are two key factors that determine the loss profile of any area. Almost 70% of K-Electric’s network is exempt from loadshedding, and the power utility is continuously working to reduce losses in other areas to ensure reliable and safe power supply.
Loadshedding has been reduced or eliminated in areas, where losses have decreased. K-Electric urges customers, local representatives, and community leaders to promote a culture of timely bill payments and discourage electricity theft. Such measures are essential to ensuring uninterrupted power supply throughout the city.
K-Electric has taken additional steps in Lyari targeting inspections of buildings. The company engaged community leaders to raise awareness on the dangers of kundas and promoted regularization. Improved coordination has ensured faster complaint resolution and kunda removals, supported by awareness sessions and pamphlet distribution.
ABOUT K-ELECTRIC:
K-Electric (KE) is a public listed company incorporated in Pakistan in 1913 as KESC. Privatized in 2005, KE is the only vertically integrated utility in Pakistan supplying electricity within a 6500 square kilometers territory including Karachi and its adjoining areas. The majority shares (66.4%) of the company are listed in the PSX owned by KES Power, a consortium of investors including Aljomaih Power Limited of Saudi Arabia, National Industries Group (Holding), Kuwait, and the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF). The Government of Pakistan is also a minority shareholder (24.36%) in the company.