The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has been established under Section 3 of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 to exclusively regulate the provision of electric power services in Pakistan. The Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Act, 2018 [Act No. XII of 2018] (The Act) has overhauled the role and responsibilities of NEPRA.
NEPRA has been created to introduce transparent and judicious economic regulation, based on sound commercial principals, to the electric power sector of Pakistan. NEPRA reflects the country's resolve to enter the new era as a nation committed to free enterprise and to meet its social objectives with the aim of improving the quality of life for its people and to offer them opportunities for growth and development.
The powers and functions of the Authority as delineated in The Act are:
grant of licenses under this Act:
- specify procedures and standards for registration of persons providing electric power services
- aid and advise the Federal Government, in the formulation of national electricity plan
- ensure efficient tariff structures and market design for sufficient liquidity in the power markets
specify procedures and standards for investment programmes by generation companies and persons licensed or registered under this Act.
specify and enforce performance standards for generation companies and persons licensed or registered under this Act.
specify accounting standards and establish a uniform system of account by generation companies and persons licensed or registered under this Act.
specify fees including fees for grant of licenses and renewal thereof.
review its order, decisions or determinations.
settle disputes between licensees in accordance with the specified procedure.
issue guidelines and standard operating procedures.
- promote the development of a market, including trading, in accordance with the national
electricity policy and the national electricity plan.
determine tariff, rates, charges and other terms and conditions for supply of electric power services by the generation, transmission and distribution companies and recommend to the Federal Government for notification.
review organizational affairs of generation companies and persons licensed or registered under this Act to avoid any adverse effect on the operation of electric power services and for continuous and efficient supply of such services.
encourage uniform industry standards and code of conduct for generation companies and persons licensed or registered under this Act.
tender advice to public sector projects.
submit reports to the Federal Government in respect of activities of generation companies and persons licensed or registered under this Act.
perform any other function which is incidental or consequential to any of the aforesaid functions.
To develop and pursue a regulatory framework for safe, reliable, affordable, modern, efficient and market-driven environment for provision of electric power to consumers in Pakistan and to maintain the balance between interests of consumers and service providers in line with the broad economic and social policy objectives of the Government and best international practices of the industry.