Waqas Baqar
A pilot project aimed at providing affordable electricity to off-grid communities in Sindh through microgrids has been delayed, with the provincial government yet to identify the villages where the initiative is to be launched, despite the regulator having taken steps towards its implementation.
The Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority (SEPRA), Pakistan’s first provincial electric power regulatory authority, had decided to launch a pilot project in different districts of Sindh to assess the feasibility of generating and distributing electricity through small-scale, locally operated power systems. The authority had also engaged consultants for the initiative.
Under the proposed project, four villages were to be selected for the installation of microgrids powered by renewable energy sources, with the aim of providing residents with affordable electricity. The pilot was intended to assess whether microgrids could offer a viable solution for electricity generation and distribution in off-grid areas, as well as determine their potential benefits for consumers, investors and power generation companies.
SEPRA has approached the Sindh Energy Department to identify and nominate four villages for the pilot project. However, no tangible progress has been reported so far. According to sources, the department has yet to respond to the authority’s request. The provincial energy department could not be reached for its official comments on the matter.
The delay comes despite SEPRA having already conducted a public hearing on its proposed Microgrid Regulations and sought the views of relevant stakeholders, a step towards establishing a regulatory framework for decentralised electricity generation and distribution. Interestingly, SEPRA has not faced any reported impediment from the federal government’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) in pursuing the initiative. Punjab has also recently approached SEPRA for input on establishing a similar provincial regulatory authority and developing the requisite legislation.
However, the authority is reportedly facing a lack of cooperation from the relevant departments within its own province. If successfully implemented, microgrids could improve access to reliable and affordable electricity in underserved communities while creating opportunities for investment and employment in the energy sector. The initiative could also potentially support the Pakistan Peoples Party’s manifesto commitment to providing free or affordable electricity to consumers using up to 100-200 units a month, although the extent of any such contribution would depend on the project’s design and subsequent policy decisions.
The continued delay in selecting the pilot villages has raised questions about the pace of coordination between provincial institutions and the implementation of an initiative intended to explore alternative energy solutions for communities beyond the conventional electricity network.