20000217

Nepra admits Lesco, Gepco applications for public hearing

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has announced its schedule for public hearings on requests for licenses by Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco).

The hearings will be held from February 28 at the office of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Nepra, having the mandate to oversee the regulation of Pakistan power sector considers that public participation in issues such as electricity tariff, quality of supply, choice of electricity supplier is very critical for the transparency of the process and the actions it may take as a regulator of the power sector.

Nepra has already held public hearing on tariff determination for Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) which were widely covered by the media and attended by various sections of public.

In these hearings public participation is sought on the issues like:

Ñ Service territory of the company.

Ñ Determination of KW and/or voltage level for bulk power consumers with respect to their choice of supplier i.e. from other distribution companies or directly from generation companies.

Ñ Supply to cooperative/housing societies, other bulk power consumers.

Ñ Provision of distribution services and sale of electric power on a non-discriminatory basis to all the consumers who meet quality of service, operational and managing capabilities of the company and financial status.