ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission (PC) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective investors for the privatisation of three major power distribution companies—Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)—offering between 51 per cent to 100 per cent shareholding along with management control.
The transaction is part of the government’s broader power sector reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing losses and attracting private investment in DISCOs.
FESCO, GEPCO and IESCO—collectively termed as “Batch-I DISCOs”—are wholly owned public limited companies responsible for electricity distribution across key regions of Punjab and Islamabad. FESCO serves over 5.7 million consumers across central Punjab, GEPCO caters to around 5.1 million consumers in Gujranwala and surrounding districts, while IESCO supplies electricity to approximately 4.1 million consumers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Privatisation Commission stated that interested parties—either individual firms or consortiums—are required to submit separate EOIs for each DISCO. Applicants must also provide Statements of Qualification (SOQs), which will be used to pre-qualify investors for the next stage of the bidding process.
A non-refundable processing fee of $5,000 or Rs1.4 million per DISCO has been fixed. In case of consortiums, only one member will be required to pay the fee.
The deadlines for submission of EOIs have been set as July 7, 2026 for FESCO, August 6, 2026 for GEPCO and September 7, 2026 for IESCO.
The Commission has clarified that only pre-qualified parties will be granted access to the virtual data room to conduct due diligence and participate in the bidding process.
The government retains the right to modify the transaction structure or timelines at any stage without assigning any reason. Officials emphasised that the invitation does not constitute a binding offer but is aimed at gauging investor interest in the privatisation of the power distribution sector.
An online briefing for potential investors has already been scheduled, where key investment highlights and transaction details will be shared by the Privatisation Commission and its financial advisor.
The privatisation of DISCOs has long been a key component of Pakistan’s energy sector reforms, with authorities expecting that private sector participation will help improve governance, reduce transmission and distribution losses, and enhance service delivery. Ends
