Karachi may face over 500mw power shortfall by 2006

Karachi Electric Supply Corporation Managing Director Brigadier Tariq Saddozai has said that there would be acute power shortage in Karachi--of 394 megawatt during 2005 and about 506 megawatt in 2006--if remedial measure are not taken in time. He was making a presentation at a meeting presided over by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan held at the Governor House on Saturday to review the functioning of KESC.
Among others, the meeting was attended by federal and provincial ministers, MNAs, MPAs, City Nazim, town nazims and advisers to the governor.
The KESC MD informed the meeting that according to normal power load growth Karachi would face power shortage of 394 megawatt (MW) in 2005 and 506 MW in 2006 even after availing 500 MW from the national grid.
He said that in 2007 there would be a shortage of 98 MW after availing 1000 MW from the national grid (Hubco-KESC link would be established) and 80 MW from the Defence Housing Authority co-generation plant.
He said that it was essential that besides the early link-up with Hubco, 150-200 MW power plants should be set up on war footing within the city. Setting up of a new power plant and making it operative takes about three years, he added.
Saddozai suggested to the Sindh Government that it should encourage setting up of power plants of up to 50 MW in private sector, preferably in the industrial sector and large commercial organisations.
The meeting was informed that out of 10 new power transformers six have already been commissioned while the remaining four are in the process of commissioning. These six transformers have considerably reduced the overloading of the grid transformers and have stabilised power distribution.
He said that KESC would be constructing 12 new grid stations by 2006. The utility would require full support from the provincial government in the acquisition of land and, at places, rights-of-way for laying the transmission system.
He explained that the survival of power utility depended on its financial health. Recovery of its current bills has been achieved up to 97 percent. The target is 100 percent for which help from the elected representatives was needed in building up public understanding to pay their electricity bills in time. It would keep the utility functioning effectively, he added.
Sindh Governor appreciated the efforts of KESC and extended his support to the utility for early implementation of system improvement projects.