Nepra’s UoSC decision hailed

According to Business Recorder, the Federal Minister for Energy and the Power Division have welcomed the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority's determination of the Use of System Charge for open access users of the electricity network. The minister described the ruling as a landmark in power sector reform and said it was the last major regulatory step needed before open access under the CTBCM regime can operate. It also clears the path for issuing the request for proposals for Pakistan's first CTBCM auction.

Under the new framework, eligible industrial consumers will be able to buy electricity directly from suppliers of their choice rather than relying solely on their distribution companies. The minister argued that the gains from competition will extend beyond industry, since more efficient generation and better use of existing plants could benefit ordinary consumers. He also expects renewable energy, battery storage and other flexible resources to take a bigger share of the market.

The Power Division said it will complete the outstanding requirements and bring the competitive market into operation in a transparent and orderly way. The minister added that the first auction would mark a structural change in Pakistan's electricity market rather than a procurement milestone alone.