Pakistan is facing electricity crisis as the nationwide power shortfall has crossed 4,000 megawatts, resulting in longer load shedding in cities and rural areas.
According to National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) electricity generation has declined after several power plants went offline. Hydropower generation has also dropped, increasing pressure on the national electricity system.
The impact is being felt in different parts of the country. In Lahore, electricity demand has reached around 4,000MW, while available supply stands at approximately 3,000MW.
Reportedly, Power distribution companies have extended load shedding. Consumers in urban and rural areas are now facing outages of around three to four hours.
However, Pakistan has also faced problems with fuel supplies in recent months, particularly delays and disruptions involving regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG).
Earlier, the Power Division said delays in RLNG cargoes had contributed to a 3,600MW shortfall and nighttime power cuts. Consumers were asked to reduce electricity use during evening peak hours until fuel supplies improved.
Previously, Power Minister Awais Leghari said reduced hydropower production and shortages in imported fuel had created a gap of more than 4,000MW.
NEPRA orders action over unannounced load shedding
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has taken action against K-Electric over unannounced load shedding.
NEPRA ruled that electricity supply should not be suspended for consumers who regularly pay their bills simply because they live on feeders with high losses.
K-Electric was directed to take action against individual consumers involved in electricity theft.
NEPRA also instructed the company to install aerial bundled cables, commonly known as ABC cables, to help reduce electricity theft and commercial losses.
IESCO latest electricity schedule for Islamabad, Rawalpindi
Earlier, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) announced an electricity load shedding schedule.
Electricity supply will be temporarily suspended in several areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to ongoing development work.
Electricity load shedding schedule
According to IESCO, the electricity load shedding will affect areas connected to specific feeders. The power supply will remain suspended for a few hours in these areas.
According to a notice shared by the company on social media, some areas will face electricity load shedding from 7 AM to 2 PM. In other areas, the power supply will remain suspended from 8 AM to 12 PM.
The power outage will be limited to the areas connected to the affected feeders.