NTDC submits system operator licence application

Application a milestone in competitive power trading market roadmap

ISLAMABAD:

In a major development, the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) deputy managing director (P&E) on Thursday called on National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Chairman Tauseef Farooqi to submit the system operator licence application along with the draft Grid Code.

Farooqi appreciated the efforts of NTDC team for preparing the Grid Code and underlined that it was the fulfilment of the vision laid down by the Wapda Restructuring Plan of 1992.

The application submission marks a major milestone in the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) institutional reforms, envisioned as a critical action under the CTBCM implementation roadmap approved by the authority in November 2020.

Accordingly, the system operator will be responsible for operations, centralised scheduling and despatch to power plants connected to the national grid.

The independence of the system operator will usher in a new era of cutting edge technology and modern techniques to ensure transparent and efficient operations and economic despatch along with effective long-term system planning of the power sector.

After input from the local and international consultants, the first draft of the new Grid Code was shared with Nepra at the end of last year. Since then, Nepra professionals have engaged in detailed consultative sessions with the NTDC team and local stakeholders to align the new Grid Code with the evolving face of power sector in light of the CTBCM reforms.

The Grid Code 2022, once approved, will supersede the existing Grid Code of 2005. It addresses technological developments in the electric power business, including renewable energy plants and high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) transmission lines.

The Grid Code sets out the guidelines, rules and procedures to be adopted by all stakeholders of the power sector. It is structured to ensure the development and operation of the national grid in an efficient, safe, reliable and coordinated manner.

Nepra will process the system operator licence application along with the draft Grid Code in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2022.

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