ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has urged immediate completion of critical projects under the National Grid Company (NGC), warning that persistent delays are undermining the reliability and cost-effectiveness of Pakistan’s power transmission system.
In its Performance Evaluation Report of the Transmission Sector for FY2024–25 (ending June 30, 2025), the regulator highlighted serious structural weaknesses in the national transmission network, maintained by both government entities and K-Electric (KE).
Rs80 Billion Worth of Electricity Not Transmitted
Nepra revealed that electricity worth approximately Rs80 billion — around 2.8 billion units — could not be transmitted during FY2024–25 due to line tripping alone, along with elevated system losses.
The report noted that despite repeated regulatory interventions and approved investment plans, NGC failed to complete several priority transmission projects during the fiscal year. These delays have intensified network congestion, overloading of grid stations and transmission lines, and underutilisation of major assets, including the 4,000 MW HVDC Matiari–Lahore transmission line — a key Chinese-backed investment — as well as multiple HVAC corridors.
Delays Hindering South-to-North Power Flow
Nepra stressed that timely completion of key NGC projects is crucial to enhance South-to-North power flow capacity, reduce reliance on expensive generation sources, and ensure optimal use of the HVDC infrastructure.
“Timely execution of these projects is essential to avoid additional financial burden on the national exchequer,” the report stated.
The regulator cited the delayed commissioning of the 500 kV Lahore North Grid Station and its associated transmission lines as a clear example of weak project execution and poor coordination across planning, procurement, and construction functions.
“These inefficiencies have not only impeded the evacuation of economical generation but have also contributed to operational bottlenecks, higher system losses, and increased financial burdens on the sector,” Nepra observed, adding that recurring delays reflect systemic governance and project management deficiencies.
Grid Under Severe Stress
The report further highlighted alarming loading conditions across the transmission network:
- At the 500/220 kV level within NGC, 20 grid stations equipped with 48 power transformers are operational, of which 41 units are running at more than 80 percent of their rated capacity.
- At the 220/132 kV level, 49 grid stations with 187 transformers are operational, with 87 units loaded beyond 80 percent capacity.
Nepra warned that such high loading levels pose serious reliability risks and underscore the urgent need for capacity augmentation and system reinforcement.
KE’s transmission network is also under mounting pressure. Around 35 percent of its transformers — mainly at the 132 kV level — are operating above 80 percent of nameplate capacity, contributing to outages and reduced reliability in Karachi’s major demand centres.
Interconnection Gaps and Partial Progress
The regulator also flagged inadequate interconnection between NGC and KE systems. Several KE power evacuation and interconnection projects remain delayed, including:
- 220 kV GIS Landhi Grid and transmission line
- HVUB Grid and transmission line
- 1×600 MVA ATR at 500 kV NKI with transmission line
- 500 kV KKI Grid and 220 kV KKI transmission line
- 500 kV KKI–NGC interconnection
- 220 kV Dhabeji–NGC interconnection
- 350 MW renewable interconnection at 220 kV Surjani Grid Station
However, some progress was noted during FY2024–25. KE strengthened Karachi’s network through the commissioning of the Dhabeji-2 Grid Station and its interconnection with the national grid, energised in March 2025.
Call for Institutional Reforms
Nepra concluded that immediate institutional reforms within NGC are essential to ensure timely project execution, improve governance, and develop a more transparent and responsive transmission system capable of meeting growing national demand.
Without urgent corrective measures, the regulator warned, Pakistan’s transmission bottlenecks will continue to inflate system losses, increase financial strain, and compromise supply reliability.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
