Business Recorder/05-05-2020

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reportedly decided to withdraw appellate powers from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) by establishing a full-fledged independent appellate tribunal for the power sector. The Power Division and other power sector entities were making a hue and cry for long time on this issue, saying that Nepra should not be the appellate authority of its own decisions. Section 12 A of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Act, 2108 states that the Federal Government shall by notification in the official gazette, establish an appellate tribunal for the purpose of exercising jurisdiction under Nepra Act. Power Division and other power sector entities were making hue and cry since long on this issue, saying that Nepra should not be appellate authority of its own decisions. Section 12 A of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Act, 2108 lays down that the Federal Government shall by notification in the official gazette, establish and appellate tribunal for the purpose of exercising jurisdiction under Nepra Act. The tribunal will have 24 posts, approved by Finance and Establishment Divisions. The Prime Minister has accorded approval for creation of the posts of Chairman and two members in MP-1 and MP-II scales, respectively for the tribunal.