KE Distribution

Powering Karachi and Beyond

Spanning 6,500 km², KE’s distribution network delivers electricity to over 3.8 million customers across Karachi and parts of Sindh and Balochistan.

Who We Serve:

  • 84.34% Residential
  • 14.96% Commercial
  • 0.64% Industrial
  • Remaining: Agricultural & Public Sector

We power communities through a robust system of substations, transformers, and 30 distribution centers across the city. And we’re not stopping there — by 2030, we aim to expand our customer base by 30%, backed by major infrastructure investments and a focus on renewable energy.

Transmission & Distribution Losses

Energy losses occur in the process of supplying electricity to consumers due to technical and commercial reasons. Technical losses are due to energy dissipation and are inherent in any system. These can be reduced to an optimum level through technological investments. Commercial losses, however, are caused primarily on account of theft or illegal usage of power.

Through on-going efforts KE has succeeded in reducing line losses and improving recoveries in several areas of its service network  over the last several years. The utility remains focused on further improving the situation through continuous process enhancements.

Annual T&D losses for FY24 stood at 15.9%, and Distribution Loss at 15.4%.

T&D Losses (%)

KE emphasises:

At KE, we emphasize customer-focused business relations through:

  • Integrated Business Centres across 30 locations and multiple digital channels to facilitate customers 24/7. Click here for more
  • An exclusive corporate desk to handle consumers with a load requirement of 1MW and above
  • A dedicated department which manages public sector consumers
  • KE also facilitates far-flung areas through Customer Facilitation Centers (CFCs), ensuring accessible support and service.

External challenges:

Gaps in urban planning: Karachi’s rapidly growing population presents numerous challenges, resulting in mushrooming of multi-storey buildings and unleased areas which in terms leads to power theft.

Uncertainty in Law & Order, cumbersome legal procedures and political influences which hinder theft mitigation and recovery efforts

Distribution Losses (%)

  • Supply management (Segmented Load-shedding) under a Reward and Reprimand policy and today over 70% of the city is load-shed free with 100% exemption given to industries.
  • As of FY 24, KE’s Distribution losses are 15.4%.

Distribution – Recoveries

  • 100% recovery ratio from industrial consumers.
  • Regular massive crackdown campaigns are being launched against defaulters and electricity theft in line with the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2016 and all such customers are given the opportunity to opt for convenient payment plans to clear their dues.
  • Payment plans in low-income areas are made easy and convenient through rebate and token payment options and special installment plans, enabling the company to get defaulters on board.

Public Sector Consumers

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Distribution Initiatives
Safety
Commercial Projects

Kunda Utaaro Meter Lagao

Kunda Utaaro Meter Lagao (KUML) scheme is an initiative to promote metered connections in place of illegal electricity connections. KE relies on support and willingness from consumers to continue the supply of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. In areas where electricity theft using Hook/Kunda is high, KE has ensured energization of around 50,000 meters.

Facilitation Camps

To further improve customer outreach, year-round customer facilitation camps are conducted to facilitate consumers who are unable to visit KE premises. KE offers near-doorstep facility to ensure customer queries are promptly addressed. Over 300 camps are conducted annually for KE consumers across the service network.

Payment Lock Scheme

Innovating customer convenience, K-Electric is exploring uniform billing options for your ease. Under payment lock, customers receive the same electricity bill amount every month which is estimated based on the previous year’s consumption. This gives customers the autonomy to accurately forecast and budget for their upcoming electricity bills.

At KE, safety isn’t just a word - it’s a core value. We're committed to protecting our people, partners, communities, and the environment through world-class health, safety, and environmental practices.

Our Safety-First Culture

Since 2009, our HSE team has fostered a culture where safety is embedded at every level of our Distribution Operations. Guided by expert professionals and a robust HSE management system, we focus on:

  • Proactive Risk Management – Identifying hazards and implementing effective controls and delivering targeted training.
  • Employee Wellness – Promoting physical and mental well-being across the workforce.
  • Environmental Responsibility – Embedding sustainability in daily operations and long-term planning.

Operational Excellence through Safety

  • More than 400 Distribution Safety Committees keep our network under constant vigilance.
  • More than 8,000 Safety Audits annually through our Behavioral Observation Program drive continuous improvement.
  • 22 DuPont-Aligned PSM Elements ensure precise operational risk control.
  • Emergency Response Protocols safeguard lives and assets during critical incidents.

Quality Control under HSEQD

Our Centralized Quality Control (CQC) team ensures every initiative meets our high safety and quality standards through:

  • Strong policy frameworks
  • Ongoing quality monitoring and reporting
  • Streamlined execution across our network

Comprehensive Training & Development

We empower both employees and industrial customers through:

  • Regular SOP updates and refresher sessions
  • Skills development and behavioral safety training
  • Wellness-focused programs promoting a supportive work environment
  • External training for customers to extend safety excellence industry-wide

Community Engagement & Public Safety

  • Annual Safety Week & Monthly Awards celebrate and encourage a safety-first mindset.
  • Fire Safety & Community Outreach initiatives include drills, school sessions, monsoon campaigns, and a 24/7 hazard reporting line (118).

Revolutionizing Meter Reading with OCR Technology

KE has modernized its meter reading process by providing state-of-the-art HHU devices to meter readers, which enables them to digitally record meter readings and transmit them wirelessly to the back-end billing system. Additionally, they take pictures of the meter, which are printed on the consumer bill to increase customer trust. As part of its future-ready mission, KE is exploring Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which will automate the meter reading process by extracting meter readings from pictures taken by the meter reader. By doing so, we aim to reduce the risk of errors and increase accuracy, making the process more efficient.

Planning and Engineering at KE

A modern, efficient, and reliable distribution network is the backbone of any utility. KE’s Planning and Engineering (P&E) thrives to focus on the distribution network to provide reliable and quality electrical power for our customers.

Improving our Technical Network

KE continues to implement key technical projects -such as the network rehabilitation plan, power quality analysis, technical loss analysis, and net-metering analytics. These efforts aim to maximize system reliability, enhance resource utilization, and ensure Karachi’s power infrastructure evolves efficiently to meet rising demand. Additionally, capacity enhancement projects are planned to integrate approximately 100MW of captive load in the coming fiscal year, allowing smooth induction into the distribution system at minimal cost.

Engineering Solutions and Standardization

KE delivers engineering solutions aligned with international standards to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of its distribution network. By identifying bottlenecks and leading cross-functional initiatives, we continuously improve system performance. Recent projects include Fixed Type VCBs, Aux Powered Relays, and Substation Size Optimization. To simplify the network and enhance efficiency, a new single cable arrangement (630 mm²) has been introduced.

Data-Driven Decision Making

K-Electric adopts a closed-loop approach to monitor and improve its distribution network. By collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources, the company has launched initiatives in process improvement, design review, and fault analysis. These efforts have enhanced data visibility, streamlined operations, and boosted overall network efficiency.

Technology Integration

KE has introduced meter data integration to enable advanced analytics and smarter decision-making. With data refreshed every 30 minutes, consumers can monitor energy usage patterns through smart meters, identify peak consumption periods, and optimize usage. Industrial customers benefit from bi-directional energy flow tracking and access to power quality metrics such as voltage, current, maximum demand indicator (MDI), and power factor.

 

Operational Technology

Operational technology provides a base for real time monitoring and automation of critical assets in distribution network.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS)

 KE’s ADMS pilot initiative in one cluster is a cornerstone of its digital transformation, aimed at enhancing visibility and efficiency across the distribution network. By utilizing field data and advanced engineering applications, ADMS will empower KE to proactively manage outages and optimize its operations. This system not only improves operational decision making but also strengthens network reliability and customer service. As part of KE’s broader OT roadmap, ADMS is setting the foundation for a smarter, more responsive power distribution system.

Asset Management

As part of our commitment to innovation and service excellence, we have launched the Asset Management function - an advanced, health-based framework designed to enhance the reliability of network assets and reduce unexpected failures.

By continuously analysing physical, electrical, and oil-based parameters, each asset is assigned a health index score that guides proactive maintenance decisions. This risk-based approach ensures timely interventions, extends equipment life, and supports a more stable power supply. The function focuses on structured asset inspections and proactive maintenance practices based on risk - a strategic step towards a sustainable energy future.

Lean Implementation

At KE’s Transformer and Switchgear Workshop (TSW), lean transformation is progressing from pilot to full-scale implementation for Distribution Transformers. Key improvements include Kanban-based material supply, upgraded testing, cellular layouts for smoother workflows, and the application of 5S, visual management, and error-proofing techniques. These actions have led to cost savings, inventory optimization, and sustained operational efficiency. Additionally, risk-based maintenance is carried out by customized Onsite Maintenance Teams to extend the service life of existing equipment.

Operational Excellence

KE is driving operational excellence through initiatives that enhance process efficiency, material handling, fleet operations, and customer service. These include reducing fault resolution time, streamlining material issuance, mapping employee skills, digitising systems, and optimizing fleet and field operations.

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