ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s power regulator has issued a strong warning to electricity companies, stating that chief executives and senior management will be held personally responsible for accidents caused by negligence, weak safety systems or outdated operational procedures. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority made it clear that poor safety governance will no longer be tolerated across the power sector.
Nepra released its Health Safety and Environment performance review for 2024 25, assessing safety compliance across generation transmission and distribution entities. Companies were evaluated on 20 benchmarks including accident prevention contractor safety emergency preparedness risk management and overall HSE governance. The review covered hydel thermal coal wind solar and nuclear facilities operated by Wapda provincial entities CPEC firms and plants in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with Nepra approved tariffs.
According to the report Chashma Nuclear Power Station ranked first nationwide followed closely by Karachi Nuclear Power Station reflecting strong system driven safety cultures. In contrast several public and private sector entities were ranked among the poorest performers due to recurring safety gaps and weak implementation of safety protocols.
Low ranked entities included Engro Fertilizers PEDO’s Daral Khwar hydropower project Punjab Power Development Company’s Marala Pakpattan and Chianwali plants Wapda’s Golen Gol and Khurram Garhi stations as well as Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Faran Sugar Mills and Saif Power Limited. Nepra noted that repeated deficiencies indicate deeper governance and oversight issues.
Only a limited number of utilities achieved an Outstanding rating highlighting systemic weaknesses particularly in the public sector. K Electric maintained consistently strong performance across generation transmission and distribution while Mepco Gepco Fesco and Tesco also ranked Outstanding though with fluctuations over recent years. Lesco Hesco and Qesco were rated Fair while Iesco Pesco and Sepco received Good ratings with uneven compliance.
Nepra cautioned that strong rankings do not automatically translate into safe operations on the ground. Unsafe practices can lead to electric shocks fires explosions outages severe injuries and loss of life. Companies rated Poor or Unsatisfactory have been directed to urgently address deficiencies and ensure full compliance with the Power Safety Code to avoid regulatory action and personal accountability.
