Power Breakdown: NEPRA Imposes 50m Fine on CPGCL  

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a fine of Rs 50 million on the Central Power Generation Company Limited (CPGCL) over a breakdown that plunged the whole country into darkness.

NEPRA had taken notice and conducted an investigation into a power breakdown to fix responsibility over those involved in it.

While taking cognizance of the power breakdown which plunged the whole country into darkness has imposed a fine of Rs. 50 Million on Central Power Generation Company Limited, (CPGCL).

It imposed a multimillion rupees fine on account of the negligence of management of Guddu Power Plant which led to power breakdown.

The massive power breakdown occurred on January 9, 2021, at 23:40 hrs and took 20 hours approximately to restore the system.

Earlier, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) had taken serious notice of the above incident and constituted an Inquiry Committee to thoroughly investigate the matter in the light of the NEPRA Act, Rules, and Regulations.

The Committee conducted the inquiry and presented a detailed report to the Authority. On the basis of the inquiry, the power regulator initiated legal proceedings against CPGCL.

Accordingly, the power regulator issued an Explanation on January 1, 2021, to CPGCL under Regulation 4(1) of the NEPRA (Fine) Regulations 2021.

In the follow-up, the authority had also issued a show cause notice on January 11, 2022, under Section 27B of the NEPRA Act.

Moreover, the power regulator had also granted an opportunity of hearing to CPGCL on May 17, 2022. However, CPGCL failed to provide any satisfactory response. Therefore, the power regulator found the company guilty of violating relevant provisions of the applicable documents.

Following this proceeding, the national electric power regulatory authority (Nepra) had imposed a fine of Rs 50 million on CPGCL over a power breakdown that plunged the entire country into darkness.