PTBP Web Desk

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued directives to both public and private sector transmission companies in Pakistan to act on the recommendations outlined in the Performance Evaluation Report (PER) for the fiscal year 2023-24. This move aims to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Pakistan’s transmission network.

NEPRA’s directives were sent in letters to the CEOs of Punjab Grid Company Limited (PGCL), Sindh Transmission and Despatch Company (STDC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transmission and Grid System Company (Private Limited), and Fatima Energy Limited (FEL) in Lahore. These recommendations, made public on NEPRA’s website on December 10, 2024, are designed to address various operational and strategic challenges faced by these entities.

First on the list is ensuring adherence to the new Grid Code of 2023. This involves a comprehensive approach where all Transmission Licensees and the System Operator (SO) must submit detailed Annual Reliability Assessments and Improvement Reports (ASRAIR). Compliance with the grid code not only ensures operational consistency but also enhances the system’s robustness against disruptions.

NEPRA advises implementing performance-based contracts with contractors, emphasizing accountability with penalties for delays and poor performance. Licensees are to submit regular performance reports to the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) department. Contractors must also provide guarantees ensuring project quality and timeliness, aiming to foster a culture of excellence in project execution.

Given the environmental challenges like pollution affecting transmission infrastructure, NEPRA mandates the use of anti-pollution insulators and regular cleaning protocols in high-pollution zones. This directive aims at preventing asset deterioration and ensuring longevity of the equipment through enforced periodic maintenance standards.

With the rise in digital threats, NEPRA stresses the importance of cybersecurity. Transmission companies are urged to comply with NEPRA’s cybersecurity regulations, adopting frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001. Regular vulnerability assessments and audits are to be conducted to safeguard the grid from cyber-attacks, which could compromise national security and service reliability.

To maintain the integrity of the transmission network, strict schedules for maintenance of critical infrastructure are recommended. The use of advanced technologies like Wide Area Monitoring (WAM) and Phasor Measurement Units (PMUS) is encouraged for real-time fault detection and resolution. A centralized maintenance system would further streamline operations, ensuring swift responses to any anomalies.

Acknowledging the shift towards sustainable energy, NEPRA insists on the development of a Renewable Energy Integration Plan. This involves upgrading infrastructure, enhancing grid flexibility, and employing energy storage solutions. Real-time data monitoring and dynamic line rating systems are recommended to manage the influx of renewable energy sources effectively, ensuring grid stability.

NEPRA has set a 30-day deadline for these transmission companies to implement the outlined recommendations and submit a compliance report. This urgency underscores the regulatory body’s commitment to rapid improvement in the sector, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s power transmission capabilities.