Punjab mulling participation in 400MW wheeling auction

Business Recorder reported that the Punjab government is weighing whether to take part in Pakistan's first 400MW electricity wheeling auction. The plan forms part of a wider effort to open access to the grid and create a more competitive power market in the province. Punjab Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar led a Monday session where officials examined the potential role and the framework for competitive trading.

The minister described open access wheeling as a step toward a transparent, competitive and dynamic power market. He said it could let industrial and commercial users buy power from alternative sources at competitive rates, while also encouraging clean-energy projects in the province. Punjab Power Development Board managing director Saniya Owais briefed the meeting on expected electricity prices, grid charges, financial viability and bidding strategy.

Punjab Financial Advisory Services has been hired as an outside adviser to examine the money, trade and economic implications. The move follows the federal government's launch of its first wheeling auction, which lets eligible large buyers source power directly from generators over existing transmission and distribution lines. The federal power division has sought bids for the 400MW tender under the CTBCM framework, with plans to reach 800MW within five years.