DSEZ Distribution & SOLR Licensing Advisory

Project Overview

The Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) is a premier 1,530-acre industrial development located in Dhabeji, Sindh, Pakistan, recognized as a prioritized project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II framework. Formulated to attract foreign direct investment, encourage industrial clustering, and boost export-led manufacturing, DSEZ requires a highly reliable, cost-effective, and independent electrical infrastructure network. To meet this requirement, the zone is designed to operate as an independent utility administrator under the modern Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) model and NEPRA guidelines.

To implement this commercial structure, the zone developer must acquire formal Distribution and Supplier of Last Resort (SOLR) licenses from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). Obtaining these regulatory licenses allows the SEZ to manage, operate, and maintain its own power distribution infrastructure and legally supply electricity directly to resident industrial enterprises, bypassing conventional utility boundaries. This advisory project establishes the commercial and regulatory foundation for an independent industrial microgrid, providing tenants with superior power quality and competitive tariffs. Dedicated regulatory and technical advisory services were deployed to design the network and facilitate the NEPRA licensing process.

Project Specifications

• Project Capacity: Regulatory licensing and electrical distribution capacity planning for a 1,530-acre economic zone.
• Project Location: Dhabeji, Sindh, Pakistan.
• Policy Alignment: Aligns with the national Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) model, NEPRA licensing guidelines, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II framework.
• Key Components: Specialized regulatory filing documentation, localized medium-voltage distribution network parameters, and geographical zone boundaries.

OMS Scope of Services

• Provided technical consultancy for acquiring NEPRA Distribution and Supplier of Last Resort (SOLR) licenses for the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (DSEZ).
• Conducted detailed network load demand forecasting to project the electrical power requirements of the industrial economic zone.
• Defined technical boundaries, voltage levels, and electrical design parameters for the zone’s internal distribution network.
• Compiled and structured technical data, engineering layouts, and compliance documentation required for formal NEPRA licensing applications.
• Supported the client through regulatory hearings, clarified technical queries, and managed filing procedures with NEPRA.