K-Electric's chief marketing communication officer, Syed Fakhar Ahmad, on Tuesday said the power utility is committed to dealing with the growing energy challenges of Karachi. Addressing the media during their visit to 560 MW Bin Qasim Power Plant-II, Fakhar Ahmad said the vertically integrated power company has brought considerable improvement in all sectors, including generation and distribution, for seven years.
K-Electric has managed to add 1,057 megawatts to its generation capacity since 2009, he said, referring particularly to its flagship BQPS-II. Discussing the details of the plant he said its engines have been brought from General Electric. K-Electric's safety measures and management system are in accordance with international standards, he added.
The power utility has initiated work on the 900 mw (450 x2) RLNG-based combined cycle power plant at Bin Qasim Power Station Complex (BQPS- III), he said, saying it is likely to be completed by the end of 2018. He said the initiatives are in line with K-E's commitment to increase its generation capacity. As soon as the plant starts production, it will represent one of the largest private-sector investments of its kind in the country's power sector.
He criticized NEPRA's decision on K-E's Multi Year Tariff (MYT) appeal, saying it would jeopardize the power utility's futuristic investment plans, financial arraignments etc.
He said the integrated multi-year tariff determination in response to K-Electric's review motion filed in April 2017 has already been announced. He said the power utility would review the decision as considerations on technical aspects are underway. Dale Sinkler, K-Electric's chief generation and transmission officer said the revised determination issued by NEPRA apparently would have far reaching implications for people and for the power situation of Karachi, and impair the viability of the company's business and limit its ability to execute investment plans.
"KE as an organization has respect for the regulator and would continue to work with an aim to bring change in lives of people" he said. Syed Fakhar Ahmad said through various measures, overall generation fleet efficiency has been increased by 22 percent. The city's power demand keeps fluctuating from 2800 MW to 3200 MW whereas KE manages to supply maximum 2900 MW. The supply demand gape remains in between 250 to 300 MW, he added. In addition to its own generation sources, KE also purchases power from various IPPs in accordance with regulatory guidelines and procedures, he said.
Adding new generation capabilities and strengthening its transmission and distribution network are currently K-Electric's highest priorities. The power utility is also taking major steps towards enhancing transformation capacity and improving the reliability of power supply to its customers.
The K-Electric team has successfully converted 3,000 Pole-Mounted Transformers (PMTs) into Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC), which has resulted in noticeable reduction of load-shedding in many areas, he said. At the same time, 11 percent part of Lyari and 25 percent of Machar Colony have been declared load-shedding free since the installation of ABC, he added.
Tahir Ali Khan, director of BQPS-II, said that since 2009, $1.4 billion has been injected into KE's infrastructure, services, and human resources. He said KE has taken stern measures against power theft. Replacement of old wires with kunda-resistant Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC) is part of the vision to further enhance the reliability of power supply across its network. "Project Ujala" is progressing rapidly and aims to empower the lives of over one million people living in 200 communities across the K-E's network by the end of the year, he said.