“We are witnessing approx 15-20% more peak demand in power compared to last year,” the energy minister tweeted through his official account. He said that the government has added 1,200MW of electricity to the national grid today and another 1,000MW will be added tomorrow (Friday). “That should eliminate most problems,” he said, adding that extra 350 to 550MW is being supplied to K-Electric too.
Despite the present government’s claims of overcoming the shortages by setting up several power projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan’s electricity crisis has worsened with load-shedding extending up to several hours at a stretch in various cities.
We are witnessing approx 15-20% more peak demand in power compared to last year. We added 1200 MW to the national grid today. Another 1000 MW to be added tomorrow. That should eliminate most problems.
Extra 350-550 MW being supplied to KE too.— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) June 10, 2021
According to the latest figures divulged by the sources in the power division, the country is facing an electricity shortfall of somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 megawatts.
A mud slide at Tarbela Dam has also led to the power generation being stopped due to damaged machinery.
However, power generation has started from two more units at the Tarbela hydel power station, said the Water and Power Development Authority spokesperson. He said hydropower generation will reach about 6000 MW in peak hours.
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) revealed the demand for electricity in LESCO has crossed 5,000 megawatts and the power supply is close to 4,000 MW, while the shortfall has exceeded 1,000 MW which has deteriorated the power supply situation in rural and small towns.
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The experts believe that the demand for electricity is much higher compared to the projections of the government. The power companies go for load-shedding in those areas where they suffer high losses.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on the other hand has summoned the chief executive officers (CEOs) of all power distribution companies as well as of K-Electric on Friday to question them regarding hours-long outages and to highlight the “remedial measures to eliminate prolonged load-shedding”.
Nepra also released a statement where it stressed that all power distribution companies including K-Electric are obligated under the relevant provisions of their licenses to provide uninterrupted and reliable power supply to their consumers.