The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a fine of Rs10 million on
the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) on account of a partial blackout during September 2021.
The blackout occurred on September 1, 2021 at 1609 hours when several parts of Karachi plunged into darkness after the entire K-Electric system tripped following a lightning strike on the Jamshoro circuit, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
As a result of the lightning strike, the power generation units of K2 (1,030 megawatts), Hub Power (60MW), China Hub Power (600MW) and wind energy (310MW) were affected. The incident resulted in disruption of power supply in the jurisdictions of K-Electric and Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco).
Power supply to all the affected areas of K-Electric and Hesco grids, wind IPPs and other power plants was restored at 1842 hours, except for the 500kV Hubco-Jamshoro circuit, which was energised at 2154 hours. Overall, normal electricity supply resumed within 2.33 hours.
Earlier, Nepra took serious notice of the incident and directed NTDC to constitute an inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the matter in light of Nepra laws, rules and regulations.
NTDC conducted a detailed inquiry and a transmission team presented its report to the authority, on the basis of which Nepra initiated legal proceedings against NTDC.
An explanation was issued on February 17, 2022 to NTDC under Regulation 4(1) of the Nepra (Fine) Rules 2002, followed by a show-cause notice dated July 6, 2022 under Section 41 of the Nepra Act. However, NTDC failed to provide any response within the stipulated time period, the statement said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2022.
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