LAHORE, August 13, 2026: The Punjab government is preparing a new roadmap to provide cheaper and more reliable electricity to industries, while work is also underway to establish a provincial energy regulator on the pattern of NEPRA.
Punjab Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the proposed Energy Punjab Regulatory Authority (EPRA) would be aimed at improving regulation, transparency and governance in the province’s energy sector.
He made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the Energy Department in Lahore, attended by industrialist S.M. Tanveer, Secretary Energy Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti, Secretary Artificial Intelligence Ahmad Rajwana and representatives of companies working under the department.
The meeting focused on electricity supply problems faced by industries, alternative energy sources, affordable power generation and measures to support industrial growth in Punjab.
Khokhar said the government was working on long-term solutions to reduce energy costs for businesses and ensure a more dependable power supply.
He said cheaper and uninterrupted electricity could help lower production costs, improve industrial competitiveness, boost exports and create employment opportunities.
Punjab Moves Toward EPRA
The minister said the Energy Department was finalising proposals for supplying lower-cost electricity to industries and consumers.
He added that work on establishing EPRA was progressing, with the proposed body expected to operate on lines similar to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority.
Khokhar directed officials to finalise practical recommendations on energy projects, reforms and policy measures so implementation could begin quickly.
Five More Biogas Plants Planned
During the meeting, Secretary Energy Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti briefed participants on ongoing and proposed projects.
Officials said five additional biogas plants would be established in Punjab in collaboration with Suzuki Pakistan.
The province is also planning further hydropower projects on canals with support from Global Hydro.
According to the briefing, World Bank studies on several Energy Department sites have been completed, while feasibility reports for multiple projects have also been finalised.
A province-wide biogas survey has been completed in coordination with local government institutions.
Lahore Waste-to-Energy Project Moves Forward
Officials also reviewed progress on a proposed 50-megawatt waste-to-energy project in Lahore.
Work is also continuing on a biogas plant project in Gujjar Colony.
The government said expansion of biogas, solar and hydropower projects could help reduce electricity costs while supporting cleaner and more sustainable industrial development across Punjab.
S.M. Tanveer praised the Energy Department’s efforts and said greater use of alternative energy sources could benefit both the industrial and power sectors.
Participants also agreed to hold weekly review meetings to monitor energy projects, policy recommendations and issues faced by industries.
The Punjab government is increasingly focusing on renewable and alternative energy as part of a wider effort to improve power affordability and support industrial expansion in the province.
Also Read: CDF Asim Munir Meets Norway Foreign Minister at GHQ, Security Ties Discussed
Today's E-Paper