ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has officially exonerated the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) from any blame in the delayed restoration of Pakistan’s power system following the countrywide blackout on January 23, 2023.
According to Nepra’s report, the total power system collapse occurred at 07:34:43 hours, plunging the nation into darkness. Full restoration was achieved almost 20 hours later, on January 24, 2023. Nepra immediately constituted an Inquiry Committee (IC) to investigate the incident, which included site visits to powerhouses, grid stations, and offices, along with a review of relevant documentation.
The committee noted that the black-start facility at Tarbela Power Station was promptly activated, with Unit 3 synchronized at 08:10 hours. Gradual power restoration began for key areas, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi. However, instability in Tarbela’s units caused wide frequency swings between 45–55 Hz, resulting in generator tripping at 09:10 hours. Nine further attempts to stabilize and synchronize with Mangla failed due to these fluctuations.
Mangla Power Station could not initially perform a black start due to unavailability of water discharge permission from IRSA, but Unit 1 was successfully synchronized at 10:10 hours once clearance was granted.
Wapda explained to Nepra that all procedures were followed according to NPCC instructions, with multiple units synchronized across Tarbela and Warsak. Subsequent tripping occurred due to abnormal frequency swings from load variations, not any operational lapse by Wapda.
The IC concluded that Wapda acted appropriately under challenging conditions, and the blackout restoration delays were largely caused by system instabilities and regulatory clearances, rather than any fault of the authority.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
