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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
NEPRA issues notice to K-Electric over load-shedding
Prior approval to NEPRA K-electric consumer may seen a huge relief over electricity bills. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has served a show-cause notice on K-Electric (KE) over failure to comply with its instructions relating to forced load-shedding. The regulator pointed out that KE had been resorting to load-shedding based on aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, which violates the Nepra Act and the Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules, 2005. According to the authority, distribution companies (DISCOs) are bound to maintain plans and schedules to shed up to 30% of their connected load at any time upon instructions from the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC). This load must be divided into separate, switchable blocks that can be disconnected as directed by NTDC. Copies of these plans must be shared with NTDC. Nepra emphasised that NTDC, where possible, should provide distribution companies with advance warning of impending load-shedding to help maintain system voltage and frequency in line with the Grid Code. NTDC is also responsible for instructing distribution companies about the specific amount of load to be disconnected and the timing, using clear and unambiguous communication based on approved plans. Previously, on January 8, 2025, Nepra issued an explanation to KE under Regulations 4(1) and 4(2) of the Nepra (Fine) Regulations, 2021, citing non-compliance with its directives. The regulator stated that KE had been implementing load-shedding based on AT&C losses, which violates the Nepra Act and the Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules, 2005. In this practice, entire feeders with commercial losses – such as electricity theft and non-payment – are shut down for hours, even when some consumers on those feeders are fully compliant and regularly pay their bills. "Nepra considers this unfair to compliant consumers." In response to this practice, the authority had initiated and concluded legal proceedings, resulting in a Rs50 million penalty on KE. "Nepra continues to stress that load-shedding should only be carried out at the Pole Mounted Transformer (PMT) level and only when absolutely necessary – such as in the case of generation shortages or transmission constraints, and only under instructions from system operators." Meanwhile, KE launched a project in 2021 to install Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system at the distribution transformer level, costing Rs600 million. The project aimed to identify energy losses due to theft and non-payment and to facilitate commercial benefits. KE also claimed that these meters would enable remote connection and disconnection at the transformer level. The project was completed in December 2021, with a test run conducted through June 2022. Nepra reviewed the project's records, reports and KE submissions and found that while the company has reaped commercial benefits from the AMI/AMR system, it has not utilised the technology to provide relief to consumers by performing targeted load-shedding at the PMT level, despite the capability to do so. Furthermore, during public hearings on monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCA), Karachi residents widely complained about excessive and unfair load-shedding, reinforcing Nepra's concerns. A KE spokesperson regarding Nepra's show-cause notice stated, "KE is currently reviewing the show-cause notice received from Nepra. After a comprehensive review, we will submit our response in line with the timeframe set by the authority."
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Forced load-shedding: Nepra issues show-cause notice to KE
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued show-cause to K-Electric for not obeying its instructions about forced load shedding in its jurisdiction which is legal as per the federal government's policy. The show cause notice was issued on June 23, 2025, the day Power Division blocked relief of Rs 4.69 per unit for the consumers of Karachi for April 2025 under monthly FCA mechanism. According to Nepra, a distribution company shall have plans and schedules available to shed up to 30% of its connected load at any time upon instruction from NTDC. This 30% load must be made up from separate blocks of switchable load, which can be disconnected in turn at the instruction from NTDC. A distribution company shall provide copies of these plans to NTDC. Sindh PA slams KE for carrying out 'unjustified' load-shedding Nepra argued that wherever possible NTDC shall give distribution companies advance warning of impending need for load shedding to maintain system voltage and/or frequency in accordance with the Grid Code. As per the provisions of the Grid Code, NTDC shall maintain an overview and, as required, instruct each distribution company the quantum of load to be disconnected and the time of such disconnection. This instruction shall be given in clear, unambiguous terms and related to prepared plans. The Authority issued an Explanation to the Licensee under Regulation 4(1) and 4(2) of NEPRA (Fine) Regulation, 2021 on January 08, 2025, on account of non-compliance of Authority's orders. The Regulator argued that contrary to instructions, KE is carrying out AT&C based load shedding which is in violation of NEPRA Act & Performance Standards (Distribution) Rules 2005. In this regard, a feeder containing commercial losses (theft of electricity and nonpayment of dues by some consumers) is completely switched off for some hours a day despite the fact that some consumers Ion the same feeders are regular paying consumers. This establishes that compliant consumers are unnecessarily being punished due to some defaulters. The Authority had taken notice of this and initiated and concluded the proceedings by imposing a penalty ofRs.50 million upon KE. The Authority is continuously emphasizing that the Licensee should carry out load shedding at Pole Mounted Transformer (PMT) level whenever it would be necessary, meaning thereby, the licencee can only carry out load shed upon instruction of system operation in case of generation shortage or transmission constraints. Meanwhile, KE started a project of installation of AMI/AMR meters at distribution transformer level at a cost of Rs. 600 million. The primary purpose of this project is to identify specific energy loss at transformer level in terms of theft and non-payment along with other commercial benefits. Secondly, the Licencee stated that it could remotely connect & disconnect the supply at transformer level through the AMI/AMR meters. The project was completed in Dec 2021 and test run was performed up to June, 2022. The Authority had gone through the record, reports, and submissions of the Licencee regarding the project of installation of AMI/AMR meters at each PMT. The Authority further observed that the Licensee is achieving all commercial benefits through the said project, however, it is not ready to give relief to the people of Karachi by carrying out load shedding at PMT level if necessary, in light of applicable documents. Moreover, it is on record that during public hearings in the matter of monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA), the people of Karachi largely complained about excessive load shedding. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Safety Awareness Campaign 2025: NGC organises seminars at various grid stations
LAHORE: The National Grid Company of Pakistan (formerly NTDC) has launched a nationwide series of safety training seminars under 'Safety Awareness Campaign 2025,' aimed at strengthening safety practices and enhancing public awareness, by ensuring compliance with directives of Nepra and equipping staff with essential knowledge and skills to achieve Zero Accident Goal. Following the campaign, safety seminars were organized at 500kV grid stations; New Lahore, Yousafwala (Sahiwal), Gatti (Faisalabad), 220kV grid stations; New Kotlapkhpat, Wapda Town, Ravi, Ghazi Road, Bund Road, Shalamar, Sarfraznagar, Gujrat, Daharki, Jhmapir-II (Sindh) and Industrial-II Quetta. The seminars focused on providing first aid, emergency response and key safety protocols relevant to field operations. Participants received hands-on training of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and were trained about emergency preparedness, safety procedures and the significance of life-saving techniques in operational environment. The NGC officers delivered technical presentations covering a range of critical safety topics, including substation and transmission line hazards, field inspection practices, standard of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and newly introduced Permit to Work (PTW) performa by the Nepra. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), firefighting and emergency preparedness sessions were also conducted by Rescue 1122 at some of the grid stations. The seminars saw active participation from NGC staff across the Maintenance, Operations, P&I, Security and Admin departments. Managing Director NGC, Engr Muhammad Shahid Nazir appreciated the Safety Awareness Campaign and stated that safety is fundamental to our operations. He commended all those involved for their dedication to fostering a culture that safeguards our workforce and infrastructure. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PSDP 2024-25: Ministry authorises Rs1.035trn for projects, releases Rs596.61bn
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has authorised a total of Rs1.035 trillion (94.51 per cent ) out of Rs1.096 trillion for development projects from July to May while Rs596.61 billion have been expended so far under Public Sector Development Programmes (PSDP)-2024-25. According to the Ministry of Finance's notification, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives authorised 15 per cent funds for the first quarter, 20 per cent for the second quarter, 25 per cent for the third quarter, and 40 per cent for the fourth quarter under the PSDP. According to the data available on the website of Ministry of Planning, the ministry authorised Rs770 billion (92.8 per cent) for development projects of various federal ministries, divisions and other departments against Rs829.67 billion including Rs139.2 billion foreign loan budgeted allocation for the financial year 2024-25. A total of Rs437 billion has been expended so far on the development projects on various federal ministries, division and departments. The ministry authorised Rs256.85 billion (100 per cent) out of Rs265.85 billion budgeted allocations for the National Highways Authority (NHA) and power sector (NTDC/PEPCO) for development projects. But a total of Rs159.56 expenditures have been made so far on the development projects. A total of Rs161.26 (100 per cent ) billion has been authorised out of Rs161.26 billion for development projects of the NHA while Rs87.42 billion has been spent. A total of Rs104.59 billion (100 per cent ) has been authorised out of Rs104.59 billion for the power sector (NTDC/PEPCO) while Rs159.56 billion expenditures have been made from July to May 2025. According to the data, a total of Rs48.97 billion (100 per cent) has been authorised out of Rs48.97 billion budgeted allocations for development projects for the Cabinet Division, while Rs34.97 billion has been expended. A total of Rs5 billion has been authorised out of Rs5 billion for development projects of the Aviation Division, Rs3.535 billion (100 per cent ) for the Climate Change Division, Rs20.75 billion (100 per cent ) for the Federal Education and Professional Training Division, Rs5.578 billion (100 per cent) for defence Division, Rs7 billion out of Rs7.1 billion for Finance Division, Rs710 million (100 per cent) for States and Frontier Regions Division, Rs11.375 billion (100 per cent) billion for Information Technology and Telecom Division, and Rs35 billion (100 per cent ) for Railway Division during financial year 2024-25. The ministry also authorised Rs217.66 billion out of Rs276.45 billion for provinces and Special Areas, Rs61.12 billion (100 per cent) for development projects for Higher Education Commission (HEC), and Rs8.374 billion (100 per cent) has been authorised for the development projects of National Food Security and Research Division. The ministry also authorised Rs9.78 billion (100 per cent) budgeted allocation for the Interior Division, Rs21 billion (100 per cent ) for National Health Service, Regulations and Coordination Division, Rs2.176 billion (100 per cent ) for Defence Production Division, Rs8.49 billion (100 per cent) for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division, Rs6.65 billion (100 per cent) for Science and Technological Research Division, Rs3.23 billion (100 per cent) for Petroleum Division, and Rs199.6 billion (100 per cent out of Rs199.6 billion budgeted allocation for development projects of Water Resources Division etc. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
TPPAs set to be signed for Karachi Nuclear Power Plants K-2, K-3
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), National Grid Company (NGC), erstwhile NTDC, and Central Power Purchasing Agency -Guaranteed (CPPA-G) are to sign Tripartite Power Purchase Agreements (TPPAs) on Karachi Nuclear Power Plants unit 2 and unit 3. Recently, Power Division briefed the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet that Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit-2 ('K-2') and Unit-3 ('K-3') are constructed by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. These were highly significant and strategically important base load plants having installed capacity of 1145 MW each and located in the City of Karachi. The plants are being operated by PAEC. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) granted Generation Licence to K-2 and K-3 NPPs on December 09, 2019 and February 16, 2021 respectively. As notified by PAEC, K-2 and K-3 Plants were commissioned and achieved Commercial Operations Date (COD) on May 21, 2021 and April 18, 2022 respectively. Since then, these plants had been providing electricity at the most economical rates to National Grid. 1,100MW K-3 inaugurated, China praised NEPRA granted interim tariff to K-2 and K-3 projects on 'Take or Pay' basis on July 01, 2021 and May 19, 2022 respectively, final tariff on January 14, 2022 and April 12, 2023 respectively and CPPA-G Board also approved purchase of power from these power plants. According to Power Division, CPPA-G requires formal approval of the Federal Government to sign Tripartite Power Purchase Agreement between PAEC, NTDC and CPPA-G. In order to formalize such Tri-partite Power Purchase Agreement ('TPPA'), ECC-approved standardized draft TPPA prepared under Power Generation Policy, 2015 had been used as a base document. The ECC was further apprised that project specific changes along with performance-based provisions had been incorporated in the base document. NEPRA, in its letter of April 03, 2024 had cleared the signing of TPPA for both the projects. The Power Division submitted the following proposals for consideration and approval of the ECC: (i) Tripartite Power Purchase Agreement to be signed between PAEC, NTDC and CPPA-G for 1145 MW Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit-2 (K-2); and (ii) the Tripartite Power Purchase Agreement to be signed between PAEC, NTDC and CPPA-G for 1145 MW Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3 (K-3). After brief discussion, the ECC approved the summary submitted by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division for signing of TPPAs between PAEC, NGC and CPPA-G( market operator). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
