LAHORE: The commercial operation of the 660kV high voltage direct current (HVDC) Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line project is likely to face a delay of at least three months due to various administrative and technical issues, allegedly on the part of the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) and Pak Matiari-Lahore Transmission Company (Pvt) Ltd (PMLTCPL).

However, it seems that the issues have been resolved amicably both by the NTDC and the company with certain new terms and conditions, Dawn learnt on Friday. However, the new commercial operation date (COD), which was earlier set as March 1, 2021, is yet to be decided and may take at least another three months.

The disputes/issues, which emerged between the NTDC and PMLTCPL, were unanimously resolved a couple of days ago. Under the agreement, the company will complete the energisation-related tests within next two weeks, the PMLTCPL spokesperson told Dawn on Friday.

“Since the new timeline for the launch of the line’s commercial operation, it may be extended. How much time it takes, maybe two to three months or more, we cannot confirm since this matter is still under discussion,” the spokesperson added.

The entire work on the line ahead of the start of commercial operation (power evacuation from the plants in south, converting into direct current-DC, carrying/transporting to the load centres in Punjab, converting into alternate current-AC and finally transmit it to the distribution system) has been completed.

During testing phase, some technical issues (fluctuation etc) reportedly occu­rred on which the NTDC allegedly stopped PMLTCPL from doing further tests. The issues left a number of engineers idle on sites, prompting the company to take up the matter with the NTDC during first week of the ongoing month. The PMLTCPL, through a letter, also reportedly informed the authorities concerned that both the parties were in a state of an impasse in having a resolution to recommence the testing and commissioning phase to ensure timely commercial operations.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2021