Pakistan has officially launched its first independent electricity market with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) granting a market operator license to the newly established Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO). This marks a major step in energy sector reform, allowing direct transactions between electricity consumers and suppliers.
ISMO replaces the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) and begins operations with a three-member board. Syed Zakariya Ali Shah, Additional Secretary of the Power Division, has been appointed as CEO. The board also includes Secretary Power Muhammad Fakhar Alam and Joint Secretary Finance Sajjad Haider as directors. The board is expected to expand to 11 members over time.
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In a separate development, NEPRA held public hearings for two solar power projects proposed by K-Electric. The projects include a 150 MW solar plant in Deh Metha Gar and a 120 MW plant in Deh Halkani, both located in Sindh. These are part of K-Electric’s strategy to add 1,300 MW of renewable energy by 2030. Notably, both projects secured Pakistan’s lowest-ever renewable energy tariff of Rs. 9.8 per unit, offered by Kot Addu Power Company Limited (KAPCO).
