The Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) organized a stakeholder workshop in Islamabad today on the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contracts Market (CTBCM) and Wheeling Auctions Framework. The initiative, based on global best practices, aims to make Pakistan’s power sector more transparent, efficient, and competitive while ensuring affordable and reliable electricity for consumers.
Speaking at the opening session, the Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari underscored the government’s commitment to sectoral reforms. He noted that CTBCM will not only attract new investments but also help integrate renewable energy, empower industrial consumers through wheeling arrangements, and improve overall governance of the power sector.
He emphasized that the upcoming wheeling auctions will transparently allocate 800 MW of demand to market participants. This initiative will open the door for industrial and bulk consumers to directly procure power at competitive rates, helping reduce costs, improve reliability, and strengthen Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness.
ISMO officials presented key details of the CTBCM, highlighting the processes for market participant registration, contract registration, capacity obligations, and the handling of imbalances and marginal prices. The workshop also shed light on amendments in supplier rules, the National Electricity Plan, and detailed auction guidelines to ensure fair competition.
Interactive Q&A sessions allowed participants to directly engage with ISMO officials and other experts on technical and regulatory aspects. A panel discussion on “CTBCM – Opportunities and Challenges” brought together regulators, power sector professionals, and consumer representatives to deliberate on issues including technological advancements in wheeling, bulk power consumer requirements, opportunities for export industries, and mechanisms to ensure transparency.
The workshop ensured equal opportunity for all stakeholders to voice their perspectives, reinforcing ISMO’s commitment to inclusive and consultative market development.
The event marks another milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward a modern, competitive, and transparent electricity market, positioning CTBCM as a cornerstone reform in line with global best practices.
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