RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: K-Electric is seeking clarity on Zero-Rated Industrial Support Package (ZRISP) and approached the Ministry of Energy for necessary directions and modalities in case ZRISP is to be continued after July 1, 2019.

In a statement, KE has said that being a power utility KE follows due process in coordination with concerned authorities, ensuring prior notification and seeking permission wherever applicable on timeline and implementation of directives.

“Regarding the ZRISP relief given between the period of Jan 2019 to June 2019, K-Electric has sought some clarity from concerned authorities, which is awaited, pursuant to which any further adjustments in consumer bills, if required, will be made,” it said.

Further, as per the SRO dated June 29, 2019, issued by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Revenue (Revenue Division), the facility of zero-rating has been revoked effective July 01, 2019, it added.

Accordingly, KE said that it understands that the ZRISP will also cease from July 01, 2019. In this regard, KE has reached out to the Ministry of Energy for necessary direction and modalities in case ZRISP is to be continued, it added.

KE said that it is pertinent to note that any decision related to change to consumer tariff is out of KE’s purview.

KE said that over the years, the power utility has taken several initiatives to facilitate industrial customers, including load-shed exemption of all industrial zones in Karachi, addition of new grids to meet growing power demand, reducing turnaround time for new industrial power connections, conducting energy audits to help improve energy efficiency of industrial concerns and so on.

KE is committed to powering industrial growth and facilitating industrial customers and all possible measures would be taken to continue to facilitate industrial consumers to help them unlock their full potential.