KARACHI: K-Electric (KE) continues its crackdown on electricity theft and defaulters with support of law enforcement agencies.

In statement, power company said it targeted electricity theft in Korangi, covering areas such as Pak Town, Chakra Goth, Labour Square, Sector 34/2 and Ibrahim Hyderi.  Operation dismantled underground cables that were illegally supplying an estimated 84,000 units of stolen electricity to 595 houses, 70 shops, 155 stalls, 18 water pumps and two parks. Use of illegal connections bypasses safety protocols of utility infrastructure which is installed by qualified professionals. “This elevates hazards to public, risk which is further elevated during inclement weather conditions such as current monsoon season,” it added. K-Electric routinely combats illegal electricity usage to reduce line losses and protect power infrastructure. During recently concluded fiscal year, utility registered 980 FIRs against individuals involved in electricity theft in cooperation with law enforcement. Since start of year, company has conducted 1,500 drives on its network serving Korangi, Landhi and adjoining areas, successfully removing 20,000 kilos of kunda wires from overall area.  Theft of electricity and non-payment of bills are two critical factors which determine loss profile of an area. While 70 percent of network remains exempt from loadshed, KE works actively to tackle line losses in remaining areas to ensure provision of reliable and safe electricity.