K-Electric is a Pakistani investor-owned utility managing all three key stages – generation, transmission and distribution – of producing and delivering energy to consumers. This is a Pakistani electric supply company, based in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. K-Electric is a privately-owned and vertically-integrated electricity distribution company
Company mission
KE supplies power to Pakistan's largest city and economic hub, Karachi, home to an estimated 22 million people. The company has a customer account base of over 2.5 million, and around 10,000 employees. KE engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy to industrial, commercial, agricultural and residential areas that falls under its network. In January 2018, the utility also initiated the process of distributed generation under a net metering program. KE's network has improved multiple folds over the course of many years: projects like Aerial Bundled Cabling to improve secondary distribution system and reduce power thefts, TP-1000 transmission upgrade of the system by building numerous grid stations and expanding 1000 MVA in transmission and distribution infrastructure, collaborations with World Bank and IFC on network system improvement, generation fleet efficiency improvement by ISO 50001 energy management system certifications of KE Bin Qasim-II, Korangi Combined Cycle Power Plant, and energy efficiency and renewable programs for KE consumers, including energy audits, power factor improvement surveys, solar consultancy and outreach and awareness programs.
Timeline
In 1913, the Karachi Electric Supply Company was formed to meet the power needs of a small port town called Karachi, incorporated under the now currently Companies Act, 2017. In 1952, The Government of Pakistan nationalized KESC in order to facilitate the much needed investment in its infrastructure. In 2005, KESC was privatized, with the government retaining a stake of approximately 26%, while 71% was transferred to a foreign consortium. In 2009, the new management, led by Abraaj Capital, took charge, beginning a turnaround story which has thus far seen investments of over US$2.1 billion. In 2014, a low-cost power plant began operations, saving Pakistan hundreds of millions of dollars and cutting Pakistan's energy deficit. This power plant was funded by International Finance Corporation, a World Bank Group corporation. Since 1994, IFC has been one of the largest supporters of private power projects also known as 'Independent Power Producers ' locally in Pakistan. This power plant increased power generation and improved energy supply for approximately 12 million people. In 2014, KESC Changes Name to K-Electric and also changed its logo to three feathers of a partridge in orange, blue and green representing energy, community and environment respectively. As of 2017, The Abraaj Group and Aljomaih/NIG have a 66.4% stake in KE; the Government of Pakistan's shareholding stands at 24.36%.
Sustainability
Over the past few years, K-Electric's efforts have received formal commendation in the form of a number of awards and accolades. These reinforce the organization's determination to continue its progress towards meeting the power needs of Karachi in a sustainable manner. KE believes in contributing to the health of the communities in which it operates, and maintains a wide range of CSR activities in order to help build a better society for all. KE facilitates communities in energy conservation, environmental protection, health, education, skill development, poverty reduction and other activities for socio-economic development. The company also conducts studies on the potential environmental and societal impact of its new projects, ensuring that KE initiatives act as a catalyst for positive change.
Energy Efficiency Day
K-Electric was a participant for the internationalEnergy Efficiency Day, celebrated on 5 October, both in 2017 and 2018. KE won the best project award in the category of ’Corporate Solar Sustainability Program of the year’ at the Middle East Solar Industry Association's Solar Awards 2018 as part of World Future Energy Summit held in Abu Dhabi.
Tree-planting for Pakistan
Under K-Electric's Plant for Pakistan initiative, renowned horticulturalist, Tofiq Pasha and KE employees enthusiastically plant trees across the city to green and clean Karachi. To date more than 100,000 trees have been planted by KE.
K-Electric announces 700MW Power Project at Port Qasim
On 29 April 2019, K-Electric signed an agreement with the state-owned China Machinery Engineering Corporation for the development a state-of-the-art 700MW Independent Power Producers-based power project at Port Qasim, Karachi. This power project will help meet the growing power demand of Karachi and its adjoining areas.
