KARACHI: Demanding nationalization of the power utility, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) staged a sit-in at K-Electric’s head office against alleged overbilling, exorbitant tariffs, collection of billions of rupees in the name of line losses. A large number of JI workers and consumers of K-electric participated on Friday in the protest demonstration. Before privatization of KESC the government used to pay Rs 5 billion as subsidy but after privatization the amount has increased to Rs 75 billion which is being paid to the K-Electric, JI leaders emphasized. The protestors claimed that the power utility company has collected over Rs 138 billion from the consumers illegally and demanded for its return to consumers. They claimed that newly installed meters are 35 percent faster and also demanded for the establishment of an impartial institution to redress complaints of power consumers in the city. They also called for the complete abolition of deceptive slab system and appointment of a representative of federal ombudsman at every customer counter for quick action on the complaints. The electric company has sufficient power supply for the metropolis but load shedding is being carried out for ulterior motives. Demonstrators also demanded to slash down charges in line with NEPRA’s recent downward revision. K-Electric’s response: Terming all allegations ‘baseless’, K-Electric has maintained that its prime responsibility and focus is to serve the people of Karachi. The power utility remains fully committed to its vision statement of ‘Energizing Karachi’ while serving over 25 million people of Karachi and its adjoining areas. Refuting the allegations, K-Electric shared that all billing is done as per regulatory processes and guidelines. Bills are generated as per consumer’s meter reading. Any previous allegations on billing have already been reviewed and refuted by the concerned authorities. With regards to the cost of electricity, the Government has implemented a “Uniform Tariff Policy” across Pakistan, including Karachi. The slabs of electricity are also implemented across Pakistan. K-Electric confirmed that no change has been made in the tariff charged to the consumers of Karachi. According to KE spokesperson, “KE’s transition into a dynamic institution today in the face of numerous challenges has become a case study in business excellence and transformation. Through sustained investment of US $1.2bn since 2009 in its infrastructure, network and services, the power utility has enhanced the reliability of power supply to its customers. Today, 61% of Karachi including industries is load shed free. We continue to invest in our systems and remain committed to bring further developments to attain the vision of a load-shed free Karachi.”