Allocation of functions: PPMC-NGC dispute again lands on power regulator’s table

A disagreement over which organization should be responsible for establishing distribution-related design standards, specifications, and material inspection has once again brought the issue to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). Sources close to the matter informed Business Recorder about this development. On August 24, 2026, NEPRA issued a communication to the Chief Executive Officer of National Grid Company (NGC), stating that the functions assigned to NGC under the Business Transfer Agreement between WAPDA and NYDC (now NGC) and the transmission license granted in 2002 to NGC must remain unchanged.

NGC is tasked with continuing to develop standards and specifications, as well as conducting material inspections, as it was performing these duties when its initial transmission license was granted in 2002. The Power Division, which is an unregistered entity of the Power Division, attempted to act as a mediator to resolve the dispute but has not yet achieved a resolution, as both entities continue to exchange letters arguing that their respective areas of responsibility pertain to the development of standards and specifications, as well as material inspections.

NGC's Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Maria Rafique, addressed this issue to the Registrar of NEPRA on September 17, 2026, citing a meeting held by the Power Division with NGC and PPMC to discuss the matter. The letter from NGC also references NEPRA's communication from August 24, 2026, which was subsequently shared with the Power Division and DISCOs through a September 4, 2026, letter.

NGC has also submitted its letter of September 15, 2026, to the Ministry, responding to PPMC's letter and outlining NGC's legal position on continuing to perform the Standards & Specifications (S&S) and Material Inspection (Ml) functions.