Nepra issues new rules to boost power system safety, reliability

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued new regulations aimed at strengthening technical discipline, safety, and reliability in Pakistan’s power system, under SRO 936(1)/2026, titled “Technical Standards for Grid Connectivity Regulations, 2026. ” Notified under the powers of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997, the regulations take immediate effect and apply to all grid-connected generation companies, excluding distributed generators. According to the framework, any generation company seeking interconnection with the national grid will now be required to follow a structured approval process through the relevant transmission or distribution licensee. This includes submission of detailed technical data, an undertaking for compliance, and execution of a formal connection agreement. READ MORE: Nepra tightens power sector oversight in 4Q 2025 The regulations place strong emphasis on system integrity and operational security, stating that generation facilities must not compromise the safe and reliable functioning of the grid. All equipment and infrastructure will be required to comply with standards defined in the Grid Code and Distribution Code, ensuring uniform technical benchmarks across the sector. Generators will also be required to design and operate their plants in a manner that supports “safe, reliable, non-discriminatory and economic dispatch” of electricity across the national system. At the time of application and throughout operations, strict compliance with the Connection Code and related technical standards will remain mandatory. The new rules further empower NEPRA to issue directions, guidelines, or instructions to both applicants and transmission/distribution companies. The regulator will also retain authority to modify or withdraw such directives as necessary. In case of disputes between generation companies and grid operators, the matter will be referred directly to NEPRA for resolution. The regulations also introduce penalties for non-compliance, stating that any violation of provisions, directives, or orders will be dealt with under the relevant sections of the Act and associated regulatory instruments. Energy sector observers say the move is aimed at tightening oversight of an increasingly complex power system, improving grid stability, and ensuring uniform technical compliance as new generation projects come online. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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