Wind Power Curtailment Pushes Projects Toward Collapse, Atif Ikram Sheikh Warns FPCCI Leaders

Wind Energy Producers Issue Urgent Rebuttal to ISMO Claims

A consortium of leading wind energy producers in Pakistan has issued a stern rebuttal to recent claims made by the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO). The consortium warns that the systematic curtailment of wind power plants, which is the most affordable energy source at just Rs. 14 per unit, is pushing the renewable sector towards financial collapse.

The consortium rejects ISMO’s media statements suggesting no curtailment or effective management. They highlight a flawed compensation mechanism for lost energy, crippling project cash flows and jeopardizing billions in sustainable investment.

This stance was taken by the F Committee on Renewable Energy during its meeting on 17th March 2026, chaired by Mr. Fawad Jawed.

Demands for Immediate Action

The consortium urges immediate intervention from the Ministry of Energy and NEPRA:

1. Cease Throttling Cheap Renewable Energy: Adhere to Must Run Policy prioritizing cheap clean energy.
2. Reform Compensation Formula: Change formula to fully compensate wind plants for lost energy.
3. Full Dispatch Compliance: Shut down expensive RLNG plants in favor of full wind dispatch.
4. Redirect Excess Wind Energy: Evacuate excess wind energy to K-Electric grid.
5. Complete Transmission Line and Grid Infrastructure.
6. Authorize Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Installation for Wind Plants.
7. Halt New Wheeling Auctions.

The ISMO’s claim of adequate compensation is a distortion, according to the consortium spokesperson. At Rs 14, energy is cheapest in the country but being wasted while Pakistan struggles with fuel import bills. This is not just a technical failure; it’s an economic crime against the common man,” said Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd., Secretary General.

The ISMO’s narrative that we are ‘adequately compensated’ is a distortion of the facts,” said a spokesperson for the consortium. “Paying 38% for 100% readiness is a recipe for bankruptcy. At Rs 14, our energy is the cheapest in the country, yet it is being wasted while the nation pays for expensive imports. We demand transparency and a compensation structure that reflects the reality of our operations and the requirements of our debt providers.”