Nepra issues notices to NTDC, CPPA over power plant procedures

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued Show Cause Notices to the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) and Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) for failures in power plant operating procedures.

Nepra criticized NTDC for inadequate responses regarding synchronisation of generating units with the National Grid following blackouts. The Authority’s review revealed that while NTDC proposed extended synchronization times for most power plants, only a few — specifically Bhikki, Balloki and Haveli Bahadur Shah — submitted signed procedures. Many other plants failed to provide necessary documentation.

In its findings, Nepra noted that NTDC attributed delays to the Operations Committee (OC) being responsible for finalizing operating procedures per the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). However, Nepra emphasized that the PPA outlines a dispute resolution mechanism that NTDC has not adhered to.

In a significant step, Nepra has initiated legal proceedings against CPPA-G for not finalizing its operating procedures. The regulator found no documentation supporting CPPA’s claims of developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for system restoration after blackouts.

Additionally, Nepra highlighted ongoing disputes that have left the PPA for K2/K3 power plants unsigned. While operating procedures for New Bong Escape and Star Hydro are finalized, issues remain unresolved for major hydropower plants like Tarbela and Mangla. The authority expressed concern over NTDC’s limited coverage of black start facilities, questioning the systemic approach to essential requirements.