ISLAMABAD: The Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) has approved a comprehensive power reliability enhancement plan for Gwadar, aimed at addressing persistent power shortages and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the strategically important port city. The decision was taken by the ISMO Board through a circular resolution, authorising ISMO management to submit the plan to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) as a standalone proposal for approval. The report highlights that Gwadar currently relies heavily on electricity imports from Iran, which have proven unreliable due to frequent outages and supply shortfalls, particularly during peak summer months. Data shows that Iranian supply remained completely unavailable for over 130 hours in 2024 and 246 hours in 2025, while partial shortages persisted for a significant portion of the year. READ ALSO: Pakistan plans to use solar to power Gwadar Port Supply from the national grid has also been deemed unviable in the short to medium term due to technical limitations, including voltage instability, high transmission losses and frequent outages along the 800-kilometre Khuzdar-Gwadar transmission corridor. The report further notes that expanding transmission infrastructure would require investments exceeding USD500 million, making it economically impractical. In view of these constraints, the committee constituted by the Power Division has recommended a locally based power generation solution as the most feasible option to ensure energy security in the region. The proposed plan calls for the development of a 40-megawatt power plant dedicated to Gwadar’s critical grid stations. The project is expected to be commissioned by July 2027 and will be procured through a technology-neutral competitive bidding process. According to the report, the new facility will be designed to operate independently in case of disruptions in Iranian supply, with the ability to function in island mode for extended periods. It will also include black-start capability to restore power in the event of a complete blackout. The plan emphasises uninterrupted power supply, operational flexibility, and future expandability to support Gwadar’s growing industrial and commercial activities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The procurement process will be conducted by the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) acting as an independent auction administrator, while Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) will enter into a bilateral power purchase agreement following NEPRA’s approval. The report also recommends renegotiation of existing power import agreements with Iran to reduce minimum offtake obligations and incorporate reliability clauses. Additionally, steps have been proposed to strengthen the transmission and distribution network, including installation of advanced metering infrastructure, implementation of smart grid solutions, and expedited deployment of a STATCOM system at Pasni to improve voltage stability. Officials believe that ensuring a reliable power supply is critical for Gwadar’s transformation into a major economic and logistics hub, as envisioned under the country’s long-term development strategy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
ISMO approves Gwadar power reliability plan
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