Pakistan’s transmission and distribution not adequate to support new generation capacity

• 8 years ago (2016-05-31)
• David Flin

North America 1021

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Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has said in a report that the country’s power transmission and distribution networks are barely adequate to meet existing requirements, and have little potential to absorb planned generation. The report said: “It is imperative that transmission and distribution systems be strengthened and stabilised to transmit electricity generated by upcoming projects. Strengthening of the existing transmission system requires large scale investment along with improved management performance of the National Transmission Despatch Company (NTDC ), in order to ensure availability of a reliable transmission system well before the completion of generation facilities.”

NEPRA said that overloaded transmission and distribution networks not only hinder power transfer capability, but also add wastage of electricity through increased losses. It said: “The constraints on transmission networks have also led to severe power evacuation problems, with the result that the capacities of some of the most efficient plants cannot be utilised to their optimum level. In order to reduce losses, control theft, and improve the service delivery to consumers and effective revenue recording, use of technology such as smart meters may be immediately introduced in all distribution companies, while out-sourcing of inefficient service in distribution system may be explored and considered by the distribution companies.”