A market in Rawalpindi is plunged into darkness due to load shedding amid increased demand for electricity following a steady rise in mercury. PHOTO: ONLINE
ISLAMABAD:
The Energy Division said on Wednesday that electricity supply remained stable during last night’s peak hours, despite an increase in demand from the provinces.
In a statement, the spokesperson said improved water discharge from dams had enabled the production of 5,125 megawatts (MW) of electricity during peak hours. Around 400 MW were also successfully transmitted from the southern region to the central grid due to improved grid stability.
The spokesperson noted that distribution companies (DISCO) have managed to maintain relatively better supply even during peak demand, limiting load management to one to two hours in most regions.
However, economical load management will continue on feeders with high losses, as per policy. He clarified that economical load management is distinct from peak hour load management.
The statement added that peak hour load shedding will be eliminated once adequate supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are available.
Currently, around 5,500 MW of power generation capacity remains unused due to LNG shortages. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Power, Awais Leghari, has taken seriously the fact that DISCOs are purchasing power from small producers in violation of the prescribed order of merit.
According to an official statement, the minister directed all DISCOs to immediately bring their electricity purchases into compliance with the regulations laid down by NEPRA.
