ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Lieutenant General (Retired) Muhammad Saeed, has categorically clarified that WAPDA holds absolutely no administrative or operational role in the distribution of electricity, maintenance of local power infrastructure, or the issuance of consumer utility bills.
In a public clarification shared via his official social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), [@LtGenSaeedWAPDA], the Chairman addressed a continuous influx of complaints, messages, and allegations from citizens regarding electricity bills, faulty transformers, defective meters, solar net-metering delays, and power load-shedding. He urged the public to approach the correct power sector authorities to avoid wasting critical time.
The Evolution and Unbundling of WAPDA
Providing historical context to the organization’s structure, Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed noted that WAPDA’s unbundling process began in 1997 and was formally completed in 2007.
“Consequently, all area electricity boards were converted into Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and were placed under the Power Division of the Ministry of Energy, alongside the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), now functioning as the National Grid Company (NGC),” the Chairman stated.
Following this restructuring, WAPDA was placed under the administrative control of the Ministry of Water Resources.
For nearly two decades, the authority has had zero involvement in the retail supply system, cost recoveries, or neighborhood distribution lines.
Modern Mandate and Public Appeal
The Chairman explained that since 2007, WAPDA’s sole strategic mandate has focused on:
- The strategic management of water resources
- Construction of mega reservoirs and dams
- Development of hydropower stations, canals, and large-scale water supply schemes
He clarified that the electricity generated by WAPDA’s hydropower plants is simply delivered in bulk to the National Grid Company (NGC).
Beyond that initial bulk delivery, WAPDA plays no part in the nationwide grid or supply chain.
Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed concluded his statement by appealing directly to his followers and the wider public, emphasizing that directing electricity distribution complaints to WAPDA causes unnecessary delays.
He advised citizens to contact their respective regional DISCOs (such as LESCO, IESCO, K-Electric, etc.) or the Ministry of Energy to ensure their grievances are addressed promptly by the relevant departments.
