Punjab Plans Own Provincial Electric Power Regulator

The Punjab government is moving to establish its own Electric Power Regulatory Authority by June 30, 2026 to locally regulate tariffs, licenses and service standards. Officials say the new body will reduce dependence on the federal regulator and better address the province’s unique energy needs.

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Punjab’s energy leadership has completed initial groundwork and hired consultants to build the regulatory framework for a provincial power authority, which has now been incorporated into the Annual Development Programme 2025–26 with a targeted completion by the end of the fiscal year. The move responds to the province’s position as the largest consumer and power recovery contributor in Pakistan’s grid, and aims to accelerate decision-making around tariffs, service quality and grid planning.

Officials note that staying under the NEPRA – National Electric Power Regulatory Authority limits Punjab’s ability to pursue locally tailored energy projects; especially in renewables like solar, small hydel and biomass; which are increasingly handled through off-grid models. Lawmakers and energy stakeholders believe a provincial regulator could streamline approvals, strengthen accountability, and improve responsiveness to consumer concerns, though critics caution that alignment with national policy will be essential to avoid fragmentation.

If executed with clear authority and strong stakeholder engagement, Punjab’s regulator could shift the province toward more agile, consumer-centric power governance