Punjab has stepped up efforts to establish a provincial transmission and despatch (T&D) company similar to the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).
In this context, Dawn has learned that the province energy department has initiated a summary seeking authorization to form the Punjab Provincial Grid Company, which is now being evaluated by the provincial cabinet.
“Sindh has already set up its own transmission firm. Under the 18th Amendment, we must have the same arrangement. The summary that was provided to Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for approval is being followed up on, according to Punjab Energy Minister.
According to the report, Pakistan’s total energy demand in 2018-19 was 25,627MW, with Punjab alone consuming 14,472MW. By 2027-28, the province’s energy demand is expected to exceed 24,000MW.
Similarly, 68 percent of revenue is generated by a large number of Punjab-based customers. The province is home to 66 percent of the country’s total electricity users.
In Punjab, the rapid expansion of industrial complexes and special economic zones (SEZs) has resulted in an increase in electricity demand. The modified Nepra Act of 2018 has opened the door to T&D of energy via multi-buyer arrangements such as bulk power consumers and wheeling, among other things.
In order to take advantage of these arrangements and meet Punjab’s energy needs, the summary stated that “there is an urgent requirement to supply sustainable and affordable electricity to end customers, notably to Punjab’s industries and agriculture sector.”
