K-Electric, the sole electric utility provider of Karachi will invest Rs9.5 billion under its rain risk mitigation plan.

The additional investment will be over and above budgeted investment of Rs24.4bn for the upgradation of infrastructure and advancement of protection in distribution network, the KE Board of Directors approved earlier.

The project plan was approved by the BoD after a Special Committee constituted by Board presented its report to the Board on Company’s performance and challenges during rain.

The Board also approved engagement of external consultant to review the project plan and further strengthen its execution.

The upgradation project will include raising of distribution equipment foundation levels in areas water logged during recent rains, waterproofing of identified substations, replacing of old equipment and main cables at key identified locations, and increasing the capacity to augment the dewatering efforts made by civic agencies.

The project comes after the city received unprecedented rainfall of 730mm during this monsoon.

KE informed that it is also making substantial investment in high loss area under its flagship Sarbulandi Project, which constitutes about 40 percent of the city, to improve service delivery and safety of the residents.

These investments will also ensure the deployment of theft resistant Ariel Bundled Cables (ABC) in these areas, informed the utility provider.

Furthermore, the KE’s Special Committee recommended formal engagement with and cooperation from all concerned stakeholders for taking timely steps before the next monsoon season such as clearance of the inter-city drainage systems and removal of encroachments to ensure that KE’s ability to provide power is not impaired during rain.

The Special Committee also recommended to seek regulatory support from NEPRA on approval of infrastructure investments filed during Mid Term Review of KE tariff.

The Special Committee further recommended GOP support for allocation of adequate gas with appropriate pressure and additional power from national grid to ensure maintenance of policy load shed regime in the city.