Govt working to introduce virtual grid system, says power minister

The Pakistani government is actively working on implementing a virtual grid system, according to Power Minister Awais Leghari. This system would allow consumers to generate and store electricity, with work on the necessary regulations already underway and expected to be finalized by the end of the current fiscal year. Power distribution companies have been directed to install batteries on their grids to promote energy storage and enhance the power system.

The government aims to increase battery usage across Pakistan's power sector. Following a challenging meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power, Leghari acknowledged that prolonged electricity load-shedding was occurring due to electricity theft and line losses. The government plans to shift load-shedding from individual feeders to transformers, preventing entire feeders from being affected.

An on-off control system will be introduced for around 190,000 transformers, eliminating the need to shut down entire feeders. Heavy investment is required to upgrade the power system, with approval sought from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). The minister also noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted the Petroleum Division's ability to receive LNG cargoes, leading to the use of locally produced gas for power generation.

Load-shedding is now carried out at night to minimize the burden on consumers, who would face additional electricity bills of Rs6 to Rs6.50 per unit. Leghari denied signing any new agreement with independent power producers, addressing incorrect media reports. PML-N MNA Rana Muhammad Hayat criticized the government's policies and load-shedding, accusing the ministry of prioritizing IMF requirements over addressing citizens' needs.