The Board of Directors of K-Electric (KE) has reappointed Moonis Abdullah Alvi as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the utility, effective July 30, 2025, for another term, reaffirming confidence in his leadership during a period marked by operational reforms, regulatory challenges, and evolving energy demands in Pakistan’s largest city.
Alvi, who first assumed the role of CEO in July 2018, has overseen significant transformations at KE, including efforts to modernize the company’s infrastructure, improve customer service, and navigate the complex regulatory and political landscape surrounding the privatized power utility.
Under his leadership, KE has:
• Invested in infrastructure upgrades including transmission enhancements and smart grid systems.
• Commissioned the 900 MW RLNG-based BQPS-III power plant, one of the largest private sector power projects in Pakistan.
• Advocated for multi-year tariff determination to ensure financial viability and long-term planning.
• Increased focus on digitization and customer outreach, including the expansion of mobile app services and online billing systems.
Despite these efforts, Alvi’s tenure has not been without controversy or public scrutiny.
Challenges and Controversies
During his time as CEO, KE has faced:
• Frequent public criticism over power outages, particularly during peak summer months, with public complaints of unscheduled load-shedding in low-income areas.
• Regulatory hurdles, including disputes with NEPRA over tariff adjustments and delayed approvals of power purchase agreements.
• Delayed privatization progress due to bureaucratic and legal bottlenecks. KE’s planned sale to Shanghai Electric Power has remained in limbo, with Mr. Alvi frequently calling on government stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.
In 2022, severe flooding in Karachi exposed the city’s fragile grid, leading to widespread outages. KE was criticized for delayed restoration efforts, although the company defended its actions citing safety protocols.
In 2023–2024, fuel cost fluctuations and gas shortages strained KE’s supply chain, forcing temporary reliance on load-shedding in high-loss areas.
Despite these setbacks, industry observers credit Alvi for maintaining a measured and reform-focused leadership style, steering KE through one of the most volatile periods in Pakistan’s energy sector.
Looking Ahead
With his reappointment, Alvi is expected to:
• Push forward renewable energy integration, particularly solar and wind, into KE’s grid.
• Expand consumer-centric initiatives, with a focus on energy efficiency and net metering.
• Continue negotiations with the government for policy alignment and settlement of outstanding dues between KE, SSGC, and NTDC.
• Lead KE’s digital transformation efforts to improve customer engagement and reduce line losses.
In a brief statement, KE’s Board said:
“Mr. Alvi’s vision and dedication have helped K-Electric navigate numerous challenges while maintaining a customer-first approach. We are confident that under his continued leadership, the company will further its mission of powering Karachi responsibly and reliably.”
With more than 25 years of corporate experience, Moonis Abdullah Alvi previously served as KE’s Chief Financial Officer before rising to the CEO position. He holds professional credentials in finance and has been associated with various industry platforms advocating energy sector reform. –
ENGINEERING REVIEW
