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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
NEPRA issues notice to K-Electric over load-shedding
Prior approval to NEPRA K-electric consumer may seen a huge relief over electricity bills. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has served a show-cause notice on K-Electric (KE) over failure to comply with its instructions relating to forced load-shedding. The regulator pointed out that KE had been resorting to load-shedding based on aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, which violates the Nepra Act and the Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules, 2005. According to the authority, distribution companies (DISCOs) are bound to maintain plans and schedules to shed up to 30% of their connected load at any time upon instructions from the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC). This load must be divided into separate, switchable blocks that can be disconnected as directed by NTDC. Copies of these plans must be shared with NTDC. Nepra emphasised that NTDC, where possible, should provide distribution companies with advance warning of impending load-shedding to help maintain system voltage and frequency in line with the Grid Code. NTDC is also responsible for instructing distribution companies about the specific amount of load to be disconnected and the timing, using clear and unambiguous communication based on approved plans. Previously, on January 8, 2025, Nepra issued an explanation to KE under Regulations 4(1) and 4(2) of the Nepra (Fine) Regulations, 2021, citing non-compliance with its directives. The regulator stated that KE had been implementing load-shedding based on AT&C losses, which violates the Nepra Act and the Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules, 2005. In this practice, entire feeders with commercial losses – such as electricity theft and non-payment – are shut down for hours, even when some consumers on those feeders are fully compliant and regularly pay their bills. "Nepra considers this unfair to compliant consumers." In response to this practice, the authority had initiated and concluded legal proceedings, resulting in a Rs50 million penalty on KE. "Nepra continues to stress that load-shedding should only be carried out at the Pole Mounted Transformer (PMT) level and only when absolutely necessary – such as in the case of generation shortages or transmission constraints, and only under instructions from system operators." Meanwhile, KE launched a project in 2021 to install Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system at the distribution transformer level, costing Rs600 million. The project aimed to identify energy losses due to theft and non-payment and to facilitate commercial benefits. KE also claimed that these meters would enable remote connection and disconnection at the transformer level. The project was completed in December 2021, with a test run conducted through June 2022. Nepra reviewed the project's records, reports and KE submissions and found that while the company has reaped commercial benefits from the AMI/AMR system, it has not utilised the technology to provide relief to consumers by performing targeted load-shedding at the PMT level, despite the capability to do so. Furthermore, during public hearings on monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCA), Karachi residents widely complained about excessive and unfair load-shedding, reinforcing Nepra's concerns. A KE spokesperson regarding Nepra's show-cause notice stated, "KE is currently reviewing the show-cause notice received from Nepra. After a comprehensive review, we will submit our response in line with the timeframe set by the authority."
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Forced load-shedding: Nepra issues show-cause notice to KE
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued show-cause to K-Electric for not obeying its instructions about forced load shedding in its jurisdiction which is legal as per the federal government's policy. The show cause notice was issued on June 23, 2025, the day Power Division blocked relief of Rs 4.69 per unit for the consumers of Karachi for April 2025 under monthly FCA mechanism. According to Nepra, a distribution company shall have plans and schedules available to shed up to 30% of its connected load at any time upon instruction from NTDC. This 30% load must be made up from separate blocks of switchable load, which can be disconnected in turn at the instruction from NTDC. A distribution company shall provide copies of these plans to NTDC. Sindh PA slams KE for carrying out 'unjustified' load-shedding Nepra argued that wherever possible NTDC shall give distribution companies advance warning of impending need for load shedding to maintain system voltage and/or frequency in accordance with the Grid Code. As per the provisions of the Grid Code, NTDC shall maintain an overview and, as required, instruct each distribution company the quantum of load to be disconnected and the time of such disconnection. This instruction shall be given in clear, unambiguous terms and related to prepared plans. The Authority issued an Explanation to the Licensee under Regulation 4(1) and 4(2) of NEPRA (Fine) Regulation, 2021 on January 08, 2025, on account of non-compliance of Authority's orders. The Regulator argued that contrary to instructions, KE is carrying out AT&C based load shedding which is in violation of NEPRA Act & Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules 2005. In this regard, a feeder containing commercial losses (theft of electricity and nonpayment of dues by some consumers) is completely switched off for some hours a day despite the fact that some consumers Ion the same feeders are regular paying consumers. This establishes that compliant consumers are unnecessarily being punished due to some defaulters. The Authority had taken notice of this and initiated and concluded the proceedings by imposing a penalty ofRs.50 million upon KE. The Authority is continuously emphasizing that the Licensee should carry out load shedding at Pole Mounted Transformer (PMT) level whenever it would be necessary, meaning thereby, the licencee can only carry out load shed upon instruction of system operation in case of generation shortage or transmission constraints. Meanwhile, KE started a project of installation of AMI/AMR meters at distribution transformer level at a cost of Rs. 600 million. The primary purpose of this project is to identify specific energy loss at transformer level in terms of theft and non-payment along with other commercial benefits. Secondly, the Licencee stated that it could remotely connect & disconnect the supply at transformer level through the AMI/AMR meters. The project was completed in Dec 2021 and test run was performed up to June, 2022. The Authority had gone through the record, reports, and submissions of the Licencee regarding the project of installation of AMI/AMR meters at each PMT. The Authority further observed that the Licensee is achieving all commercial benefits through the said project, however, it is not ready to give relief to the people of Karachi by carrying out load shedding at PMT level if necessary, in light of applicable documents. Moreover, it is on record that during public hearings in the matter of monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA), the people of Karachi largely complained about excessive load shedding. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom boosts grid by 2 550MW as cold front hits Gauteng
Eskom has returned at least 2 550MW of generation capacity to the national grid as severe winter weather grips the country. According to the South African Government News Agency ( the power utility is making steady progress in reducing maintenance operations, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) currently fluctuating between 61% and 64%. 'While system constraints are occasionally experienced, adequate emergency reserves are in place and are being strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak periods,' Eskom said. The utility warned that this week's cold front may drive up electricity usage, putting additional strain on the grid. The return of 2 550MW to service by June 9 is part of efforts to stabilise supply during peak hours. ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni and Eskom discuss municipal debt Progress is also being made at Medupi Unit 4, which was damaged in 2021. Commissioning activities are underway, and Grid Code compliance testing is expected to resume within the coming week. The unit is anticipated to return to service by the end of June. As more units return from long-term repairs, Eskom expects a reduction in diesel use, improving overall grid performance this winter. According to Eskom's Winter Outlook (until 31 August 2025), load-shedding may be avoided entirely if unplanned outages remain below 13 000MW. If breakdowns increase to 15 000MW, load-shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days over the 153-day period and restricted to Stage 2. Eskom also appealed to communities to avoid illegal electricity connections and energy theft, which often lead to transformer damage, equipment failure, and prolonged outages. 'These issues force us to implement load reduction to protect the network,' the utility said. ALSO READ: Public outraged by increased Eskom tariffs Customers are urged to buy electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and to register for Free Basic Electricity through their local municipalities. To help manage household consumption, Eskom encourages residents to use its online Residential Calculator at At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom boosts power supply as South Africa faces winter freeze
Eskom has returned at least 2 550MW of generation capacity to the national grid as severe winter weather grips the country. According to the South African Government News Agency ( the power utility is making steady progress in reducing maintenance operations, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) currently fluctuating between 61% and 64%. ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni and Eskom aim to resolve municipal debt 'While system constraints are occasionally experienced, adequate emergency reserves are in place and are being strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak periods,' Eskom said. The utility warned that this week's cold front may drive up electricity usage, putting additional strain on the grid. The return of 2 550MW to service by June 9 is part of efforts to stabilise supply during peak hours. Progress is also being made at Medupi Unit 4, which was damaged in 2021. Commissioning activities are underway, and Grid Code compliance testing is expected to resume within the coming week. The unit is anticipated to return to service by the end of June. ALSO READ: Increased Eskom tariffs spark outrage As more units return from long-term repairs, Eskom expects a reduction in diesel use, improving overall grid performance this winter. According to Eskom's Winter Outlook (until 31 August 2025), load-shedding may be avoided entirely if unplanned outages remain below 13 000MW. If breakdowns increase to 15 000MW, load-shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days over the 153-day period and restricted to Stage 2. Eskom also appealed to communities to avoid illegal electricity connections and energy theft, which often lead to transformer damage, equipment failure, and prolonged outages. 'These issues force us to implement load reduction to protect the network,' the utility said. Customers are urged to buy electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and to register for Free Basic Electricity through their local municipalities. To help manage household consumption, Eskom encourages residents to use its online Residential Calculator at At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Eskom reports stability in power supply ahead of winter challenges
Eskom in a statement on Friday said that the system remains stable despite being constrained. Eskom has assured the country that system remains stable despite being constrained on the back of rising demand as a result of inclement weather conditions. The State-owned power utility on Friday said it would add 2 550MW to the grid on Monday, and thus rotational load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. 'While system constraints are occasionally experienced, adequate emergency reserves are in place and are being strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak periods, particularly as the country prepares for a forecasted cold spell in the coming week,' it said. Eskom added that it was making steady progress as they move beyond the peak maintenance season, with the Planned Capability Loss Factor (PCLF) having decreased from last week's average of ~4 883MW to this week's (30 May to 5 June) average of ~4 035MW. 'As a result, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has been recovering as expected, now fluctuating between 61% and 64% since Monday. Month-to-date, the EAF stands at 60.42%, reflecting the successful return of additional generation units from planned maintenance,' Eskom said. 'For the financial year-to-date, planned maintenance has averaged 5 974MW, representing 12.76% of total generation capacity. This reflects a decrease from the previous week, but a 2.1% increase compared to the same period last year.' Eskom said that it planned to return a total of 2 550MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday to further stabilise the grid. 'The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which measures the capacity lost due to unplanned outages, stands at 28.93% for the financial year to date (1 April to 5 June 2025). This represents a slight increase of ~0.8% compared to 28.17% recorded over the same period last year,' it said. 'The increase in the UCLF this week includes the delay in returning the 800MW from Medupi Unit 4, which is in the final stages of a long-term recovery project following generator damages in August 2021.' Eskom added that commissioning activities are currently underway and Grid Code compliance testing is expected to resume in the coming week. 'The unit is anticipated to return to service within June 2025. The Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) load factor decreased to 6.31% this week, compared to 12.70% in the previous week (23 to 29 May 2025). This decline indicates reduced reliance on diesel.' Eskom said that the financial year-to-date OCGT load factor reflects a 5.2% decrease compared to the year-to-date figure from the previous week. 'The diesel expenditure is still within budget for the current financial year. Diesel usage is expected to decline further as more units return from long-term repairs and maintenance activities are reduced, increasing available generation capacity,' Eskom said. 'The Winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. It indicates that loadshedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, loadshedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.' Energy expert Ruse Moleshe, managing director of RUBK, said that Eskom was entering the winter period when demand for electricity was typically higher due to higher need for heating and other services. 'The concerted effort to focus on and increase maintenance during the summer season bodes well for winter, due to expected plant reliability. So does bringing the additional 2500 MW capacity on stream. All these efforts will contribute to increased plant availability,' Moleshe said. 'Although the risk of unplanned outages or plant breakdowns remains, given the constrained system, Eskom has done well to plan for the winter period and ensure all efforts are made to increase supply options to meet the needs of consumers.' BUSINESS REPORT
