ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) imposed yet another fine of Rs. 10 million on National Transmission and Despatch Company Ltd (NTDC) for its failure to restore power supply when a few transmission tower collapsed in May this year, and the company couldn’t restore it for 10 days.
NEPRA statement said two towers of 500 kV Dadu-Jamshoro Transmission Line and six towers of 500 kV Port Qasim Matiari were collapsed due to cyclonic wind and thunderstorm, due to which 1320 MW Port Qasim (IPP) exited from the system, and the same was restored after nearly 10 days i.e. on May 31, 2022.
The incident and NTDC’s conduct was thoroughly investigated by an inquiry committee, keeping in view NEPRA’s rules and regulations, after which a notice was issued to NTDC on March 29 under Rule 4(1) of the NEPRA (Fines) Rules 2002 seeking explanation, followed by a show cause notice dated August 02, 2022.
Since NTDC failed to submit response in the stipulated time, ex-parte proceedings were initiated whereby the company was found guilty of violating relevant provisions of the NEPRA Acts, Rules & Regulations, Grid Code and NEPRA Transmission Performance Rules 2005.
Keeping in view of the above, NEPRA imposed Rs10 million fine on NTDC.
It is pertinent to mention here that just yesterday, NEPRA slapped a fine of Rs. 10 million on National Transmission and Despatch Company Ltd (NTDC) for September 2021 breakdown at Jamshoro Grid Station that rendered residents of Karachi and HESCO region without power
