Quick Answer
To check the KE load-shedding schedule for your area, send SMS LS <13-digit account#> to 8119, or message "Hi" on WhatsApp 0348-0000118 and select "Load-shedding schedule". Karachi load-shedding is feeder-based — outage hours depend on your feeder's loss percentage, not your personal payment record.
3 ways to check your load-shedding schedule
SMS to 8119
LS 04000XXXXXXXX
Reply within seconds with today's outage hours.
WhatsApp 0348-0000118
Send "Hi" → choose Load-shedding schedule → enter account number.
Helpline 118
24/7 voice line. Useful when KE app or SMS is down.
How K-Electric calculates load-shedding hours
KE divides Karachi into thousands of 11kV feeders. Each feeder is assigned a category based on its Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses — line losses + theft + non-payment. The lower the loss, the less load-shedding that feeder sees. NEPRA approves the slabs.
| Feeder category | AT&C losses | Daily load-shedding | Typical areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt (E-1) | ≤ 10% | 0 hours | DHA, Clifton, PECHS, Bahadurabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 1–8 |
| Low loss (C-1) | 10 – 20% | ~2 hours | F.B. Area, North Nazimabad, Gulistan-e-Johar |
| Medium loss (C-2) | 20 – 30% | ~4 hours | Korangi, Landhi, parts of North Karachi |
| High loss (C-3) | 30 – 50% | ~6 hours | Orangi, Baldia, parts of SITE & Malir |
| Very high loss (C-4) | > 50% | 8 – 10+ hours | Kati Pahari, Lyari pockets, theft-prone areas |
Categories and hours adjust with seasonal demand — summer (May–Sep) usually adds 1–2 hours per category.
Typical load-shedding times in Karachi
K-Electric concentrates planned outages around peak demand windows when grid stress is highest:
- Morning peak: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (commercial start-up)
- Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (AC + industrial load)
- Evening peak: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (residential cooling & lighting)
How to reduce or avoid KE load-shedding
- Pay your bills on time — collective recovery improves your feeder's category.
- Report theft via speakup@ke.com.pk — kunda removal upgrades feeder loss class within weeks.
- Install KE net metering + a small battery bank for true 24/7 supply.
- UPS or inverter sized for fans, lights and chargers covers 2–4 hour outages comfortably.
- Premium-feeder programmes in some commercial pockets pay extra tariff for zero load-shedding.
- Smart appliances: Run washing machine, water motor and EV chargers between outages using off-peak slots.
Power breakdown vs scheduled load-shedding
A scheduled load-shed follows the published timetable. A breakdown is unplanned — transformer trip, cable fault, weather damage or grid tripping. Report breakdowns immediately so KE dispatches a crew:
Editorial note: load-shedding categories, hours and feeder boundaries are reviewed by K-Electric every few months. Schedules can change overnight during heat-waves or fuel shortages — always re-check via SMS/WhatsApp on the day.
KE load-shedding FAQs
How do I check the K-Electric load-shedding schedule for my area?+
Send LS followed by your 13-digit K-Electric account number to 8119 by SMS, or message 'Hi' to KE's official WhatsApp 0348-0000118 and pick 'Load-shedding schedule'. Both return your feeder-wise outage timings. You can also call helpline 118.
Why is there load-shedding in Karachi if I pay my bill on time?+
Load-shedding in Karachi is feeder-based, not consumer-based. KE classifies each feeder by aggregate losses (line losses + theft + unpaid bills). Low-loss feeders see little or no scheduled load-shedding; high-loss feeders see longer outages. Even fully paid-up consumers on a high-loss feeder share the schedule.
How many hours of load-shedding does K-Electric do?+
Exempt feeders (≤10% losses) see 0 hours of scheduled load-shedding. Standard feeders see 2–4 hours. High-loss feeders can see 6–10+ hours daily, increased during summer demand peaks (May–September).
What is the difference between load-shedding and a power breakdown?+
Load-shedding is a planned, scheduled outage to manage supply-demand. A breakdown is an unplanned fault (transformer trip, cable fault, weather damage). Report breakdowns via WhatsApp, SMS COMP <account#> to 8119, or call 118.
Is there any way to avoid K-Electric load-shedding?+
Yes — install KE net metering with solar, get an UPS/inverter system, or move heavy loads to non-load-shedding hours. Some societies opt for the 'Independent Feeder' programme by paying premium tariff for zero load-shedding.
Does load-shedding affect my KE bill?+
No — your bill is based on units consumed, not hours of supply. Load-shedding actually reduces your bill because no units are billed during the outage. The minimum monthly charge still applies.
Related guides
Hand-picked next-step guides — written by the same editorial team and refreshed against current NEPRA notifications.
Lodge a KE Complaint
118 helpline, KE Live app, written escalation and NEPRA referral — done right the first time.
Read guideKE Peak Hours 2026
Current peak-hour window in Karachi and which appliances cost the most to run during it.
Read guideCut Your KE Bill 20–40%
Inverter AC, LED, off-peak laundry and roof insulation tactics that actually move the needle.
Read guideKE Customer Care Centres
Walk-in IBCs across Karachi for disputes, transfers and load changes.
Read guideKE Net Metering
Sell surplus solar to K-Electric — NEPRA process, costs and 1:1 import/export rules.
Read guideK-Electric FAQ
Fact-checked answers to the most common KE billing, tariff and complaint questions.
Read guide