FPCCI welcomes NEPRA PSDR 2026

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the NEPRA Performance Standards (Distribution) Regulations, 2026, according to Business Recorder, calling them a major reform of the power distribution sector. The regulations replace the 2005 distribution rules after nearly two decades and run to 68 pages. The FPCCI said the framework would turn service commitments that were previously discretionary into enforceable obligations for distribution companies, known as Discos.

Under the Guaranteed Performance Standards, consumers would get compensation and Discos would face penalties for lapses in restoring supply, replacing meters, fixing voltage and new connections. Discos would also have to give 30 minutes advance warning of unscheduled outages with live restoration updates, and 48 hours notice before planned interruptions. The FPCCI said these measures would help industrial users plan production, cut unplanned downtime and protect sensitive equipment.

The federation also praised a new assessment approach across company, circle, division and sub-division levels, and tying approved investment to measurable outcomes like reliability. According to the FPCCI, the timing matters because the privatisation of Discos is ongoing, and the standards would give prospective investors measurable benchmarking indicators. The body urged NEPRA to bring similar standards for investment, generation and transmission, and the FPCCI pledged support for implementation.