The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has urged the timely completion of critical transmission projects by the National Grid Company (NGC), warning that continued delays are weakening Pakistan’s power transmission system and causing significant financial losses.
In its Performance Evaluation Report for FY2024-25, Nepra highlighted structural and operational shortcomings in the national grid, citing project delays, underutilisation of foreign-funded infrastructure and gaps in technical capacity. The regulator stressed that priority transmission schemes must be completed to improve the flow of electricity from the south to the north and to reduce dependence on costly power generation sources.
Nepra noted that the country failed to transmit electricity worth approximately Rs80 billion during the last financial year due to transmission constraints, line trips and system inefficiencies. The report emphasised that full operationalisation of the HVDC Matiari–Lahore Transmission Line is essential to improving grid stability and optimising available generation capacity.
The regulator also pointed to delays in key projects, including the 500kV Lahore North Grid Station and associated transmission lines, describing the situation as evidence of weak project management and coordination issues. It warned that several grid stations are operating beyond optimal capacity, increasing the risk of outages and system instability.
In addition to concerns about NGC, Nepra highlighted similar bottlenecks in the network managed by K-Electric, particularly regarding interconnection and transmission upgrades.
Nepra called for immediate corrective measures, improved governance and stricter oversight to ensure timely completion of strategic projects and strengthen the reliability of Pakistan’s transmission infrastructure. The report was published in a news story by Dawn.