Large electricity consumers have been permitted to purchase electricity from multiple suppliers.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has introduced major reforms in the power sector, including amendments to the Consumer Eligibility Criteria Regulations 2022.
These amendments have been issued under the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution Act 1997 and have been formally enforced through a Statutory Regulatory Order.
According to Nepra, the purpose of these changes is to promote a competitive electricity market and to provide consumers with wider choice.
Under the new framework, large consumers will be allowed to enter into contracts with more than one supplier at the same time.
No supplier shall be bound to provide electricity to a consumer already engaged with another supplier.
Similarly, suppliers will not be obliged to serve consumers who are already contracted with an alternative supplier.
The regulations further require that the agreed proportion with each supplier is maintained throughout the contract period.
Nepra has stated that consumers receiving electricity from a supplier of last resort may also enter agreements with other suppliers, subject to a written notice period of at least one year.
Electricity procured from competitive suppliers shall fall under the market commercial code, while power supplied by the supplier of last resort shall remain subject to regulated tariffs and applicable conditions.
