Nasir Shah claims KE will cut loadshedding duration in coming days

KARACHI: Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah announced on Wednesday that K-Electric would reduce loadshedding across Karachi in the coming days.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony between Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC), K-Electric, and NSCL at the Sindh Energy Department office, the minister stated that K-Electric was working to reduce loadshedding, particularly during night and peak hours, to provide relief to the public.

The MoU, signed by STDC CEO Muhammad Salim Shaikh, NSCL CEO Zaigham Adil Rizvi, and K-Electric CEO Monis Abdullah Alvi, involves laying a transmission line for 40 megawatts of electricity from Pipri Grid Station to NSCL located at Port Qasim Authority. STDC, the first Provincial Grid Company (PGC) license holder, is responsible for developing electric power transmission infrastructure of 132 KV and above.

Nasir Shah mentioned that K-Electric, through STDC, would supply 40 megawatts of electricity to National Steel Complex via a 132 KV transmission line.

He emphasized that this project, which includes the construction of the 132 KV transmission line, would boost private investors’ confidence in STDC and the Sindh Energy Department, leading to job creation and economic growth in the province.

STDC CEO Muhammad Salim Shaikh highlighted that on June 13, an MoU was signed between STDC and GO Energy for Pakistan’s first 500 MW floating solar power project, in collaboration with the Department of Alternative Energy and the Department of Irrigation. The project includes laying a 220 KV transmission line from Kenjhar Lake Power Project to K-Electric Dhabeji Grid Station in Karachi, with K-Electric receiving 500 MW of power from the floating solar project, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

He also mentioned that on June 15, 2024, an MoU was signed between STDC and Gul Ahmed Group for constructing a 132 KV transmission line from a power plant in Jhampir Wind Corridor to the Gul Ahmed Group in Landhi.

The Department of Alternative Energy has secured land in the Jhampir Area Wind Corridor for this purpose, and the project involves laying a 60 km transmission line to transmit 100 MW of wind power, expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The Sindh government is committed to accelerating the use of renewable resources, aiming to reduce the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) overall basket tariff and make it affordable for the public. Renewable energy will also help achieve Sustainable Development Goals by creating a clean, reliable, and sustainable environment.

Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, Sindh Energy Secretary Mussadiq Ahmed Khan, and other senior officials were also present at the event.