Grid stability over cost: NGC responds to claims on power dispatch and transmission limits

With reference to the article titled “Pakistan Power crisis is also transmission crisis” published in this newspaper on April 28, 2026, it is clarified that the issues highlighted in the article relate to the operational characteristics of an interconnected power system and require contextual clarification.

“The power system is not operated on a fixed transfer limit such as 1,800 MW; rather, the amount of electricity that can be transferred from the south to the north varies depending on demand levels, generation in service and overall system conditions. In practice, the system has been able to transfer around 3,000~3,400 MW and 4500~4800 MW during recent winter and summer period respectively while maintaining stability and reliability. Lower transfer levels may be observed during specific low-demand or contingency conditions, which should not be interpreted as normal system capability. This variation is normal in all interconnected power systems, where transfer capability depends on real-time conditions rather than a single static value. The figures quoted appear to be based on specific operating snapshots rather than representative system conditions.

“There is no evidence of sustained or routine curtailment of cheaper generation under normal operating conditions. Temporary restrictions, where applicable, were only observed during certain transmission fault or outage scenarios and remained of short duration as part of prudent contingency management, which is standard practice in power systems worldwide. The operation of the grid is not based on economic dispatch alone; it must ensure safe, secure, and reliable performance always.

“An interconnected system, electricity cannot always be dispatched purely on cost considerations, as power flows are governed by network limitations and stability requirements rather than economic preference. In a geographically spread system like Pakistan’s, where the network is largely longitudinal with major generation sources located in the south and north, and key load centres concentrated in the central regions, power flows must be carefully managed to maintain system stability. Changes in generation availability along the corridor, along with evolving load patterns, have also influenced system strength and transfer capability under certain conditions. In addition, a noticeable shift in load patterns over the past year has further increased operational complexity. Therefore, while economic dispatch remains an important objective, it cannot always be pursued in isolation and must be balanced with the requirements of safe, secure, and reliable operation of the national grid.

“Continuous efforts are underway to further strengthen the south–north transmission corridor and enhance overall grid performance. These include the installation of advanced technologies such as STATCOMs and battery energy storage systems (BESS), as well as the development of new transmission corridors such as Ghazi Barotha–Faisalabad West. These initiatives are specifically aimed at addressing system strength and considerable increase in transfer capability to enable more reliable utilization of available generation. The current focus is on increasing system strength and improving stability so that a higher share of available generation can be utilized reliably. The goal is not merely cheap electricity, but electricity that reaches consumers, safely, reliably and efficiently.”

Muhammad Ibrahim, General Manager (Media & Public Relations NGC), Lahore

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026