Karachi: K-Electric in collaboration with Federal Investigation Agency has ramped up efforts to combat electricity theft across various areas of Karachi by eliminating illegal connections (kundas) from its infrastructure.

Anti-theft initiatives are integral to company’s operations, ensuring network safety and minimizing line losses. Since launch of national campaign against electricity theft in September 2023, over 168,000 cases of electricity theft have been reported, involving theft of more than 298.7 million units of electricity. In FY 2023-24, actions supported by law enforcement agencies have led to filing of 980 FIRs and arrest of 33 individuals across Karachi. Spokesperson K-Electric stated that 70 percent of feeders on their network are exempt from load shedding. However, remaining 30 percent of network experiences load shedding based on ratio of losses, as non-payment of bills and electricity theft remain critical issues.

Most incidents of electricity theft have been reported in areas such as Baldia, Surjani, Korangi, Orangi, Liaquatabad, Landhi and Lyari. Individuals involved in electricity theft compromise safety parameters of power network, potentially leading to accidents. KE acknowledges that current macroeconomic conditions may be affecting customers’ propensity to pay and is organising facilitation camps across city. Customers can visit these camps, as well as KE Customer Care Centers located around city, to clear their dues and receive assistance in obtaining regularised connections. K-Electric spokesperson urged elected officials and community leaders to promote culture of regular bill payment and actively discourage power theft. These measures are crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to city.