KE to get additional 450MW of electricity

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Karachi Electric is to get additional 450 MW electricity in summer as it has completed the rehabilitation/upgradation of the existing 220 kV double circuit transmission line (130 kms long) from Jamshoro to KDA-33.

According to a statement issued by the Minister for Energy, Omar Ayub Khan, 130 kms 220 kV Jamshoro to KDA-33 transmission line is expected to be energized on or before March 31, 2021.

The completion of transmission infrastructure will result in the increase power supply of 450 MW from National Grid to the KE power network during summer months when load demand is high.

The KE management was making hectic efforts to get additional electricity from Jamshoro and shared some portion of cost of conductor and other rehabilitation work for early completion of work.

The federal government has already promised to give additional over 1400 MW to KE by 2023 aimed at facilitating the consumers of. The KE is also establishing its own LNG-based power plant of 900 MW; the first unit of 450 MW is expected to be operational at the end of current year.

The Power Division argues that supply of additional 450 MW electricity from Jamshoro will result in reduction of load shedding in Karachi by the same amount. This increase in power supply from national grid to KE is in addition to the existing supply arrangement comprising of 650 MW from the 500 kV & 220 kV network and 150 wind power through 132 kV network. Thus, a maximum of 1,100 MW power supply shall be available from 500 kV & 220 kV network in addition to 150 MW from wind generation during summer months from national grid for KE which shall significantly improve power supply position for the city of Karachi. The dedicated and coordinated efforts of NTDC and KE teams are highly appreciated in achieving this milestone in a timely manner. This has been done by the federal government to the people of Karachi for the summer season, especially before Ramazan.