Nepra Imposes Rs. 10 Million Penalty on National Grid Over Safety & Staffing Failures

Pakistan’s power regulator, Nepra, has imposed a Rs. 10 million fine on the state-run National Grid Company after uncovering major safety lapses, staffing shortages, and operational failures at key transmission sites in Sindh.

The decision was approved with a three-to-one majority following a 41-month investigation that included site inspections, a show-cause notice, and multiple hearings.

The probe mainly focused on the Jhimpir area in Hyderabad, where significant funds had been allocated to upgrade HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards across the transmission network. However, Nepra’s inspection team reported in May 2022 that several 220/132kV grid stations were energized while still under construction, without formal handover from the project director — a direct violation of standard procedures.

The regulator also found that no approved SOP existed for taking control of newly built grid assets, including transmission lines and grid stations.

Staffing shortages were another critical issue. Nepra noted that only two shift engineers were operating grid stations, often working 48-hour continuous shifts without breaks or adequate support. Similar shortages were observed across the South region, where sanctioned posts remained vacant for nearly three years despite the expansion of the network.

According to the regulator, the lack of trained manpower, vehicles, essential safety equipment, and even basic facilities like water, gas, and proper housing left newly constructed grid assets “unattended and at risk,” compromising the stability of the national transmission network.