THIS is with reference to the editorial `The Sepra plan` (April 15). Admittedly, the establishment of a power regulatory authority is the need of the hour, particularly in the provincial power sector. The initiative by the Sindh government to create Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Sepra) is in the right direction to address a host of issues of efficiency as well as those confronting electricity consumers.

This would bring about several dynamic changes with regard to the governance of power generation projects, especially tariff determination and management of severe loadshedding. As a matter of fact, the regulatory authorities always play a significant role being watchdogs to make sure effective and efficient performance of different entities functioning in various sectors.

Like many countries, Pakistan also faces the domination of a number of large companies in the power sector. This needsto be checked, especially for ensuring transparent competition. It has been experienced that these large companies use undue leverage to engage themselves in practices that are against competitive norms and the overall interests of consumers.

In our country, there has been no substantive mechanism for keeping effective regulations with regard to price-fixing and this results more often in inordinate delay owing to litigations.

It is necessary to establish regulatory authorities in order to prevent such monopolistic practices, and usher in due competition to ensure a level playing field.

Besides, the regulatory authority also protects the interest of consumers, saving them from the menace of monopoly in the power sector by means of setting prices, making sure reasonable, affordable and fair electricity bills.

Moreover, the regulatory authority can also play an effective role in controlling electricity loadshedding, which, undeniably, is a critically important task.

One way to achieve this is by setting up a loadshedding management system that may forecast and manage peak electricity demand in real time.

This system can monitor and control electricity consumption across different regions and sectors,and allocate available power supply accordingly. The regulatory authority can also encourage the implementation of demand-side management strategies, such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and time-of-use pricing.

Additionally, the authority can work with power companies to ensure that they have adequate reserve capacity to meet unexpected spike in demand.By effectively managing electricity supply and demand parameters, the regulatory authority may help reduce the frequency and severity of loadshedding, and ensure a reliable and stable Isupply of electricity to the consumers.

Majid Burfat Karachi