ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued new regulations governing the technical standards for grid connectivity of power generation companies, aimed at ensuring safe, reliable and efficient integration with the national electricity system.
The notification, issued on April 27, 2026, under the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997, introduces the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Technical Standards for Grid Connectivity) Regulations, 2026, which come into force immediately and apply to all grid-connected generation companies, excluding distributed generators.
Under the new framework, any generation company seeking to connect to the grid will be required to formally apply to the relevant transmission or distribution licensee and enter into a connection agreement outlining technical conditions. Applicants must also provide an undertaking confirming compliance with prescribed standards and submit all necessary technical data.
The regulations make it mandatory for generation facilities to comply with the Grid Code and Distribution Code, ensuring that their interconnection does not compromise the safety, integrity, or reliability of the national grid. Power producers will be required to design, construct, and operate their facilities in a manner that supports secure and economic dispatch of electricity across the system.
Nepra has emphasised that all equipment and machinery installed by generation companies must meet the technical specifications laid out in the applicable codes. Compliance must be demonstrated at the time of application and maintained throughout the operational life of the facility.
The rules also require generation companies to provide access to transmission or distribution licensees for onsite interconnection activities, including inspection, operation, and maintenance at designated connection points.
To ensure enforcement, the authority has retained powers to issue directions, instructions, and guidelines to both applicants and licensees. It may also modify or withdraw such directions as needed. Any disputes arising between generators and licensees regarding interconnection will be referred to Nepra for resolution. The notification further states that any failure to comply with the regulations or directions issued under them will attract penalties in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.
