The Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) is continue practising un-announced load shedding to save furnace oil leading to non production of electricity at its full capacity. Due to this non-ethical practice of KESC, consumers are passing their lives miserably.
Chairman Consumers Association of Pakistan, Kaukab Iqbal during the meeting with member Consumer Affairs, Shaukat Ali Kundi at Islamabad National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) office said that Nepra should form investigation committee to look into the prevailing situation. Kaukab Iqbal also stated that 6 - 8 hours load shedding become normal practice in Karachi. Due to this entire economy got stand still.
During public hearing on complaint upon excess billing and fast meter by Association of trades, industries and consumers, Chairman Nepra, Khalid Saeed directed to enquire about the situation. But till Wednesday no committee in this regard was formed and no enquiry conducted. In this connection Nepra must establish its camp office in Karachi to realise the difficulties faced by KESC consumers.
Notices are being issued to consumers who choose to conserve energy in spite of appreciation. Chairman CAP took notice of this victimisation to those who adopted the energy saving measures, as suggested by the government. They are not only billed for total load but also KESC team found harassing them. KESC could not make its distribution system effective and maintenance system is totally paralysed. Due to fluctuation many expensive electronic appliances were damaged and Chairman CAP demanded that KESC must compensate to effected consumers.
Member Consumer Affairs, Shaukat Kundi gives assurance to Chairman CAP, Kaukab Iqbal that KESC will not give free hand to fleece consumers and Nepra is doing its best to protect consumers. In this connection advertisements were published in news media so that grieving consumers can submit their complaint during monthly hearing. Shaukat Ali Kundi also informed that KESC was given clear directive to reduce span of load shedding, to redress consumers' complaints against excess billing. If KESC fails to comply, action will be taken against KESC. He also added that consumers should not be left alone and Nepra will do all the best to protect consumers.-PR