ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has instructed public-sector transmission companies at the provincial level, along with one private-sector entity, to implement its recommendations outlined in the Performance Evaluation Report (PER) 2023-24.
Letters were issued to the CEOs of Punjab Grid Company Limited (PGCL), Sindh Transmission and Despatch Company (STDC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transmission and Grid System Company (Private Limited), and Fatima Energy Limited (FEL), Lahore. NEPRA emphasized the importance of adhering to the recommendations, which were published on its website on December 10, 2024.
Key recommendations for transmission network improvements include:
Grid Code Compliance: Full compliance with the updated Grid Code (2023) is mandatory, including the submission of Annual Reliability Assessments and Improvement Reports (ASRAIR).
Contractor Oversight: Performance-based contracts must be enforced, incorporating penalties for delays and mandatory contractor guarantees. Regular contractor performance reports are to be submitted to the M&E department.
Environmental Control: Companies must implement anti-pollution measures such as using anti-pollution insulators, equipment cleaning in high-pollution areas, and enforcing strict maintenance standards.
Cybersecurity Measures: NEPRA requires compliance with cybersecurity regulations, including ISO/IEC 27001 standards. Regular audits and vulnerability assessments must be conducted to ensure robust cybersecurity frameworks.
Routine Maintenance and Fault Detection: Strict schedules for maintaining critical infrastructure are essential. Advanced systems like Wide Area Monitoring (WAM) and Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) must be deployed for real-time fault detection and resolution.
Renewable Energy Integration: Transmission companies should develop plans for renewable energy integration, emphasizing grid flexibility, infrastructure upgrades, and energy storage solutions. Real-time monitoring and dynamic line rating systems should also be implemented.
NEPRA has set a 30-day deadline for the four transmission licensees to implement these recommendations and submit compliance reports. These measures aim to enhance network reliability, integrate renewable energy sources effectively, and address evolving challenges in the power sector.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
