The function of an electric power system is to provide a 24/7 reliable and continuous supply of electricity. In order to make it happen, each of the three main components of an electric power system i.e. generation, transmission and distribution must perform under the ambit of prevailing policies and regulations. The generation system consists of physical facilities that convert energy resources such as coal, oil, uranium, hydro, renewable into electricity. The transmission system then transports the generated electricity to the load centers.
The distribution system ultimately provides the actual connection to each customer, and enables the customer to consume electricity upon demand. An electric power system is thus a dynamic and integrated system, which is a balance of supply and demand of electricity.
The power sector of Pakistan during the last few years displayed resolute efforts to get rid of the menace of load shedding which had adversely affected entire socio-economic balance of the country. From being in state of scarcity to achieving the demand-supply balance, it had become essential to prepare and implement integrated plans in timely manner across the entire value chain of the electricity sector.
NTDC has prepared the long term, least cost generation capacity expansion plan under the watchful and highly concerned supervision of Power Division, Federal Ministry of Energy, Government of Pakistan and in close liaison with important stakeholders of Pakistan Power Sector including CPPA, PPIB, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms.
In parallel, Prime Minister's Task Force for Energy Reforms has also reviewed the whole plan, its methodology, assumptions and other important aspects; comments and suggestions by the Task Force have been incorporated in the final version of the IGCEP. Capitalizing on the improved demand and supply scenario, fundamental aim of this plan is to reshape the generation mix of Pakistan i.e. shifting from an imported fuel dominant regime to indigenous fuel sources such as hydro, renewable energy, coal and nuclear.
The IGCEP covers the whole country except for Karachi. K-Electric, a vertically integrated power utility, manages all three key stages - generation, transmission and distribution - of producing and delivering electrical energy to consumers within the geographical jurisdiction of the city of Karachi.
Through the preparation of IGCEP, NTDC has moved towards a modern, roshan Pakistan where people will have access to affordable, sufficient, sustainable, responsible and flexible electricity.