Karachi, August 6, 2024 – Karachi Electric (KE) has announced an extension for electricity bill payments, responding to consumer demands and following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This move comes as a relief to many residents grappling with the recent surge in power costs.
In a statement released today, KE confirmed that the payment deadlines for July and August electricity bills have been extended. The new deadline for bills originally due in July is now August 17, while bills for August can be paid until September 17. This extension aligns with the Prime Minister’s recent order to provide a 10-day grace period to alleviate financial pressure on consumers.
The decision by KE follows a directive issued by Prime Minister Sharif last week, who instructed the Power Division to offer relief amid widespread dissatisfaction with the increased cost of electricity. The directive came as a response to public outcry and aims to ease the burden on consumers struggling with inflated bills.
While other electricity providers had already announced similar extensions, KE’s delay in implementing the change had caused some frustration among residents. The company’s spokesperson explained that the extended deadlines will allow consumers to pay their July and August bills without incurring late fees until the new due dates. “Those who make payments after the original deadline will have their late fees adjusted in the following month’s bill,” the spokesperson said.
The new deadlines provide a full month’s extension, creating a uniform payment schedule. For example, if a July bill was initially due on August 7, it can now be settled by August 17. Similarly, August bills, which were due on September 7, now have a new deadline of September 17.
This extension is intended to ease the financial strain on consumers who have been struggling with the sharp rise in electricity costs. The Prime Minister’s intervention highlights the government’s recognition of the financial challenges faced by ordinary citizens and the need for supportive measures.
The Power Division’s statement affirmed that the extension aims to provide temporary relief and to allow consumers more time to manage their finances amid the current economic pressures. The move is expected to be welcomed by many as a much-needed measure to help manage the increased cost of living.
