ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s power regulator, Nepra, has slapped a Rs25 million fine on the National Grid Company (NGC) for failing to maintain safety standards and prevent the partial nationwide blackout of October 13, 2022.
In its detailed order, Nepra highlighted systemic weaknesses in NGC’s project execution, operational preparedness and asset management, noting delays in transmission line projects, inadequate contingency planning and reliance on temporary, vulnerable solutions. The authority found that NGC’s attempts to justify the blackout, including citing Covid-19 disruptions and contractor delays, were largely unsatisfactory.
Nepra noted that the blackout stemmed from weak interim arrangements, aging conductors and mismatched clamps, compounded by failures in remedial action schemes and protection systems. The regulator also criticised NGC for poor internal accountability, ineffective stakeholder engagement and noncompliance with multiple provisions of the Grid Code, Safety Code and NGC’s transmission license.
The licensee has been directed to pay the fine within one month or face recovery under Nepra’s enforcement powers.
