ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s power regulator, Nepra, has proposed allowing federal and provincial governments to set up standalone electricity systems in areas where the regular grid is costly, unreliable or poorly managed.
Under the draft Standalone Electric Power System (Pilot Projects) Regulations, 2026, these systems would supply electricity without any connection to the national or provincial grid. They could be used in remote areas or places with high line losses, poor bill recovery or bad service.
Each government could start up to two pilot projects for every distribution company, though Nepra could allow more on request. The projects would be funded by the sponsoring government through grants, subsidies or other resources; their cost could not be added to electricity tariffs.
A government would need the consent of the local distribution company before notifying a scheme. The chosen area would then be removed from that company’s service territory. However, the company could disconnect consumers only after the new standalone system is installed.
The draft requires each project to define its area, technology, timeline, costs, safety measures, service standards and consumer complaint system. It also requires consultation with affected consumers and protection of their personal data.
If a project later ends, the sponsoring government would pay all costs of reconnecting the area to the regular grid. Nepra will review each project after three months and again after one year to decide whether the model works and can be expanded.
The public can submit comments to Nepra’s registrar within 30 days of the draft’s publication. The rules will apply only after formal adoption and notification.
