Nepra issues notices to two IPPs over blackout restoration delays

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued show cause notices to two major IPPs, Rousch (Pakistan) Power Ltd and Saba Power Company (Pvt) Ltd for their failure to provide satisfactory explanations about delays in synchronizing with the national grid.

This action comes 20 months after a widespread power blackout on January 23, 2023, which plunged the country into darkness. The delay in regulatory action has raised questions about the timeliness of Nepra’s response.

The notices were issued under the Nepra (Fine) Regulations, 2021, following the blackout that impacted the entire nation. Both companies have been called to account for their delayed responses and the resultant disruptions to power supply.

Notably, in last 10 years (2015-24), the government has paid capacity charges of Rs60 billion to Rousch Pak Power Ltd and Rs17.24 billion to Saba Power Limited.

The blackout, which plunged the entire country into darkness, necessitated a swift restoration of power. However, both the companies were found to have delayed the synchronization of their facilities, severely hampering the restoration process.