THE K-Electric (KE) has not only failed to provide uninterrupted electricity to the people of Karachi, but has also failed to recover dues. The company has adopted illogical measures, for they shut down power across entire localities due to the non-payment of bill by a few consumers to recover the dues from the defaulters.

The KE does not inform the consumers about planned shutdowns, which continues from morning till late in the night. This approach is a headache for the consumers who pay their dues on time every time.

Many areas in the city face prolonged power outages that affect the daily life of the people, including schoolchildren, housewives and businesses.

It is unfortunate that the KE does not use its recovery department to target only those consumers who are actually responsible for the outstanding dues.

Instead, it has adopted an oppressive policy, and prefers to penalise entire localities.

The company has also failed to reduce electricity theft. The illegal connection, commonly known as kunda, is equally responsible for the non-recovery, for the units that are being stolen are nearly equal to the units consumed by actual consumers who pay their bills regularly.

Resultantly, these stolen units are also shown as dues on the area residents.

Is it too difficult to locate houses that are involved in electricity theft? No doubt, the situation is an example of mismanagement within KE, and the level of callousness with which it frequently puts entire localities in trouble.

Sharjeel Javed Siddique Karachi