ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday granted Distribution and Supply of Last Resort (SoLR) licences to DHA Energy Supply Company (DESCO) for DHA City Karachi.
Member (Development) Nepra, Engineer Maqsood Anwar Khan, formally handed over the licences to DESCO representatives. The company will provide electricity services to DHA City, which spans over 22,000 acres.
DHA City (South), covering approximately 12,000 acres, is at an advanced stage of development. Meanwhile, development work in DHA Indus Hills has commenced, with Phase-I comprising around 4,600 acres, expected to be completed by 2030–31.
READ MORE: Nepra grants power distribution licence to DESCO Karachi
The feasibility study for the grid station is near completion, and DESCO management plans to begin physical construction by January/February 2027.
DHA City has already entered into a Power Acquisition Contract with Lucky Cement Limited, a captive power producer, and residents are currently enjoying uninterrupted electricity supply.
Addressing the ceremony, Maqsood Anwar Khan noted that DHA City Karachi, located around 56 kilometres from the main city, has no connection to the national grid or K-Electric’s network. He said that, in practical terms, there was no conventional distribution system available to serve the area.
“In this context, the licence was not merely one of several options, but the most viable and practical arrangement after careful assessment of ground realities,” he said.
He further stated that the grant of the licence was not automatic, as stakeholders had raised concerns regarding DESCO’s financial strength, technical capacity, operational readiness, and experience.
“The Authority examined each concern on merit. Where DESCO’s balance sheet, as a newly incorporated entity, did not provide sufficient assurance, the Authority relied on the demonstrated strength of its parent company,” he added.
To safeguard consumer interests, he said, necessary protections have been incorporated into the licence conditions as binding obligations. He emphasised that tariff, use-of-system charges, and connection charges will remain subject to NEPRA’s approval and oversight, ensuring continued consumer protection.
Later, speaking to Business Recorder, the Nepra member clarified that the licences were issued to DESCO under specific circumstances and should not be considered a blanket policy for all housing societies.
“If other entities apply for such licences, their applications will be processed strictly in accordance with Nepra regulations,” he added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments