Nepra approves tariff for 204MW electricity imports from Iran, warns CPPA-G over violations

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved tariff arrangements for import of 204MW electricity from Iran, including continuation of the existing 104MW supply and an additional 100MW from Iranian utility TAVANIR, according to a news report. 

The decision followed an application filed by the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee Limited after approval by the Economic Coordination Committee in August 2023 to extend and expand the cross-border electricity agreement.

According to Nepra, the revised tariff mechanism linked to global oil prices will keep electricity prices within a range of 12.40 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The regulator said the additional 100MW supply would be transmitted through the Polan-Gabd transmission line under amendments made to the long-standing agreement signed in 2002.

Nepra, however, criticised CPPA-G for repeatedly submitting agreements after execution instead of obtaining prior approval under the Electric Power Procurement Regulations 2022.

The authority noted that the tariff extension request was submitted in September 2023 despite covering a period beginning January 2022 and warned that future procedural violations could result in regulatory action.

Nepra also acknowledged that Balochistan’s Makran region currently has no immediate alternative to imported electricity from Iran.