Nepra Fines K-Electric Rs. 25 Million Over 2023 Blackout Failures

Pakistan’s power regulator has fined K-Electric Rs. 25 million for operational lapses during the massive nationwide blackout in January 2023, citing the utility’s internal failures and inadequate response. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) announced the penalty on Thursday after a detailed inquiry found K-Electric’s explanations for the outage “unsatisfactory and unacceptable.” Nepra said the company failed to justify internal faults within its own system and could not shift full responsibility to the National Grid. The investigation revealed that K-Electric’s Black Start capability, a critical system meant to independently restart power generation after a total blackout, failed at a crucial moment. Nepra’s report highlighted unresolved technical flaws in KE’s Black Start plants and repeated tripping during the outage, exposing weaknesses in the utility’s safety mechanisms. K-Electric has been ordered to deposit the fine within 15 days. The January 23, 2023, blackout was one of Pakistan’s worst, leaving millions without electricity for hours and disrupting businesses, daily life, and essential services nationwide. Responding to the decision, a K-Electric spokesperson said, “The imposition of a penalty on K-Electric for the power breakdown in January 2023 caused by a disturbance in the NTDC system is surprising.” The company added that it is reviewing Nepra’s detailed decision and will determine its next steps accordingly.