ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Tuesday directed the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the performance of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including scrutiny of capacity payments, energy payments, and extensions granted to power projects beyond their original contractual terms.
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, also instructed Nepra to submit a detailed comparative report on the matter amid growing public concern over soaring electricity prices and the financial burden on consumers.
During the meeting, lawmakers raised serious concerns regarding alleged over-invoicing by IPPs, extensions granted beyond agreed timelines, and the absence of an effective mechanism for periodic verification of actual power generation capacity by the regulator.
Nepra officials briefed the committee on tariff determination mechanisms, capacity and energy payments made to IPPs, as well as contractual extensions provided to certain projects after the expiry of their agreements.
The committee also reviewed the prolonged delay in approval of 11kV vacuum circuit breakers. Nepra informed members that a decision on the matter is expected by the end of the current month. However, the committee deferred further discussion and directed that all relevant stakeholders be invited to the next meeting for a comprehensive review.
In addition to energy sector issues, the committee discussed reports regarding the possible appointment of Principal Accounting Officers (PAOs) from the private sector.
Members observed that under the constitutional framework, PAOs play a critical role in the administration of ministries and divisions and are responsible for ensuring public accountability and financial discipline.
The Secretary Establishment Division informed the committee that no such appointments had yet been made. However, taking serious notice of advertisements issued in this regard, the committee strongly recommended that no appointments of PAOs from the private sector be made in violation of existing laws and procedures.
The committee also examined a consumer complaint against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited regarding an excessive gas bill of Rs700,000 issued to a domestic consumer.
Lawmakers questioned the role of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority in handling the appeal and directed the Secretary Establishment Division to personally investigate the matter and ensure an appropriate resolution.
Discussion on ensuring provinces receive their due share in federal services and corporations was referred to the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution.
The committee further deliberated on issues related to the CSS examination system, including the induction mechanism, selection criteria, and the high failure ratio in recent examinations.
Concerns were also raised over social media reports alleging unusually high interview marks awarded to recent CSS toppers. Representatives of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) informed the committee that detailed marks are disclosed only to concerned candidates. However, the committee directed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed written reply along with complete examination results in the next meeting.
The meeting was attended by Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Senator Jan Muhammad, and Senator Saifullah Abro, while Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan participated virtually.
Story by Bakhtawar Mian
