PDWP Reviews Micro/Mini Grid Solutions to Provide Electricity to Off-Grid Areas of Balochistan

Quetta, September 10, 2026: The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), Government of Balochistan, held a meeting on 10th September 2026 under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Planning & Development Department, to consider development proposals of the Energy Department aimed at extending electricity access to areas currently lacking adequate power supply. During the meeting, the forum considered two major schemes of the Energy Department titled “Phase-I” and “Phase-II of Micro/Mini Grid Solutions”, aimed at providing electricity through appropriate off-grid and on-grid solutions to underserved communities across Balochistan. Under Phase-I, micro/mini grid solutions are proposed for off-grid areas in Nokundi, Buleda, Muslim Bagh, Surab, Baiker, Sohbatpur, Punjpai, and Duki. The estimated cost of the Phase-I scheme is Rs. 3.960 billion. Under Phase-II, the proposed interventions cover both off-grid and on-grid areas in Mastung, Noshki, Washuk, Panjgur, Kharan, Musakhail, Harnai, Killa Abdullah, Khuzdar, Pishin, Kalat, Turbat, Chagai, Dera Bugti, Killa Saifullah, Jhal Magsi, and Zhob. The estimated cost of Phase-II is Rs. 4.984 billion. The two schemes are expected to provide electricity to approximately 8,500 to 10,000 households in areas where electricity facilities are currently unavailable or insufficient. The proposed interventions are intended to address the energy needs of communities in remote and underserved areas and contribute towards improving their socio-economic conditions. During the meeting, the PDWP held detailed deliberations on the modalities of the proposed interventions, with particular emphasis on the selection and installation of appropriate off-grid and on-grid solutions. The forum examined the proposed approach in terms of the requirements of different areas and the need for sustainable and reliable electricity supply. The forum emphasized the importance of adopting cost-effective, technically feasible, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions, particularly for remote communities where conventional grid connectivity may be difficult or economically challenging. The PDWP also highlighted the potential impact of improved electricity access on education, healthcare, livelihoods, small-scale economic activities, and overall quality of life in underserved areas of the province. Following detailed discussion and scrutiny of the proposed modalities and interventions, the PDWP considered the proposals submitted by the Energy Department and directed the concerned authorities to proceed with the necessary follow-up actions in accordance with the applicable rules, approved procedures, and technical requirements. The Chair emphasized that the implementation of the schemes should ensure transparency, quality assurance, efficient utilization of public resources, timely execution, and long-term sustainability of the installed energy systems so that the intended benefits reach the targeted households and communities