SAI plea to Nepra: electricity inspector be asked to issue permission to user generators

The Site Association of Industries (SAI) has sought intervention of Director, Consumer Affairs Division of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to direct the Electric Inspector, Karachi, to issue permission for installing generators to those entire consumers who fulfil necessary requirements of the Electricity Act and rules. In a letter the SAI said that the members of the association are facing continuous load shedding of power for last two months.
The association also pointed out that on the one hand the licensee (KESC) is unable to supply power uninterruptedly and at requisite voltage and on the other hand it has made the Electric Inspector of Karachi subservient by pressurising him not to issue any permission for self-generation without first obtaining NOC from KESC.
The association further noted that KESC requires from its consumers, seeking NOC, to provide, on bond paper, an undertaking that any dues, arrears of any period, as and when worked out by KESC, shall be payable by the consumer without question.
The association noted that even if the consumer fulfils, the demand of KESC the licensee resorts to section 22 of Nepra Act taking the plea that the consumer must first serve 3 years prior notice as provided under the Act.
The association demanded that the department should provide a ruling in writing with a copy to the licensee that self-generation by consumers does not attract section 22, and also restrain the licensee from obtaining illegal undertaking.
The Association pointed out that its members have sent letters and reminders to KESC managing director for rectifying the problem, but of no avail.