Facilitating the captive-to-grid transition
In alignment with the government’s national energy policy to encourage industries to move away from captive power plants, K-Electric (KE) is fast-tracking the shift of Karachi’s manufacturing sector to the national grid. Through a series of dedicated efforts, KE is ensuring a seamless and supportive transition that underpins sustainable industrial growth.
Since May 2025, KE has been hosting weekly Open House sessions for its industrial customers, held in collaboration with major trade associations. These interactive forums bring together KE’s supply, commercial, technical, and planning teams to directly address industry concerns and facilitate the move from in-house generation to reliable grid power. As part of this initiative, KE is offering customized energy packages tailored to each customer’s load requirements, detailed tariff assessments, and infrastructure feasibility studies.
Strategic partnership to power economic progress
Highlighting KE’s vision, CEO Moonis Alvi stated, “We’re committed to transforming how electricity is delivered to Pakistan’s industrial backbone. Transitioning from fragmented captive power to a unified and reliable grid enhances operational efficiency and contributes to national energy optimization. By accelerating connections and upgrading infrastructure, KE is proud to lead this change in Karachi, supporting industrial growth with an affordable and balanced energy mix.”
This commitment is already showing results, as industries across various sectors are submitting load-extension requests, reflecting trust in KE’s consistent grid supply. Since July 2024, 23 industries have fully shifted from captive generation, while another 45 are actively working on conversion plans. Several industrial units have also increased their grid power consumption.
Infrastructure upgrades and future outlook
To meet the expected rise in demand, KE is reinforcing its 132 kV transmission corridors and feeder infrastructure over the next two years. This strategy ensures the utility can handle growing industrial needs while maintaining a transparent, reliable, and business-friendly energy ecosystem essential for Karachi’s economic expansion.
By driving the captive-to-grid shift, KE is not only aligning with the national energy policy but also playing a crucial role in supporting sustainable industrial growth and energy security for Pakistan’s largest economic hub.
