NGC clarifies power system realities: operational constraints extend beyond geography

The National Grid Company (NGC) on Tuesday clarified that operational constraints in Pakistan’s power system extend beyond geographical considerations, emphasizing the role of fuel availability, system stability and evolving demand patterns

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) The National Grid Company (NGC) on Tuesday clarified that operational constraints in Pakistan’s power system extend beyond geographical considerations, emphasizing the role of fuel availability, system stability and evolving demand patterns.

Responding to an article titled “A power crisis of geography” published in a section of press on April 20, the NGC spokesperson said that the article raises concerns regarding regional imbalances in Pakistan’s power system and the need for closer alignment between industrial growth and energy availability. However, transmission planning is carried out based on projected demand, committed generation, fuel availability and financial constraints, all of which evolve,said a press release.

The spokesperson said that recent system stress had primarily emerged due to external disruptions, including the ongoing war-related impacts on fuel supply, particularly RLNG, which affected generation availability in the north.

Additionally, system stability requirements, especially during periods of low hydel availability, necessitate continued operation of generation in the north, underscoring the operational complexity beyond simple geographic considerations.

NGC spokesperson clarified that transmission infrastructure is developed with long lead times and is designed to ensure long-term reliability, flexibility and resilience rather than short-term optimization.

He said that several major north-south transmission corridors and reinforcement projects had already been completed or were under development to effectively manage evolving power flows.

While aligning industrial demand with energy availability is a useful long-term policy direction, it complements, not substitutes, the requirement for a strong and integrated national grid. Going forward, enhanced coordination across generation, fuel supply, transmission planning and demand development, through integrated energy planning, will be a key to ensuring efficient and sustainable system operation.