Shortfall of 7000 MW resulting in extreme loadshedding

The shortfall of electricity in the country has turned into a menace again with reports of Urban areas experiencing six to 10 hours while rural parts witnessing eight to 16 hours of loadshedding every day.

Sources close to the matter suggest that the current gap in demand and supply is expected to further increase owing to a drop in power generation by thermal plants, brought on by a severe shortage of gas and other fuels. With increasing temperatures, the total shortfall is ranging between 7,000 to 8,000MW, and it may surge further if the hot and dry weather persists. The total power generation in Pakistan is currently at 18,031 MW, while the demand for power is around 25,500 MW

The officials of the electricity supply company claim that they were studying the power load management at different times in most parts of the region, mainly due to the rapid increase in demand for electricity due to rising temperatures and the temporary difference in demand and supply of electricity. They further reiterated uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers will be started as soon as they overcome the present situation.

The power company believes that the situation will improve because the main commercial centres in the country will be closed during Eid time.

Pakistan’s hydro-power plant is producing as many as 3,674 MW of electricity, while the government’s thermal power plants are generating 786 MW. And private power producers are generating only 9,526 MW.

Wind power plants are generating 487 MW while solar power plants, biogas power plants and atomic power plants are generating 104MW, 141 MW, and MW of electricity.