A market in Rawalpindi has been plunged into darkness due to load shedding amid increased demand for electricity following a steady rise in mercury. PHOTO: ONLINE
ISLAMABAD:
The Power Division said on Wednesday that power supply remained stable during peak hours last night despite a surge in demand from the provinces.
In a statement, the spokesman said improved water discharge from dams enabled the generation of 5,125 megawatts (MW) of electricity during peak periods. About 400 MW was also successfully transmitted from the southern region to the central grid due to improved grid stability.
The spokesperson noted that distribution companies (DISCOs) managed to maintain relatively better supply even during peak hours, limiting load shedding to one to two hours in most areas.
However, financial load management will continue on high-loss feeders, in line with policy. He clarified that economic load management is separate from peak load management.
The statement added that peak load shedding would be eliminated when sufficient supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) become available.
At present, about 5,500 MW of power generation capacity is still idle due to LNG shortages. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari has taken serious notice of DISCO’s purchasing power of small producers contrary to the prescribed order of merit.
According to an official statement, the minister directed all DISCOs to immediately bring their power procurement in line with rules laid down by NEPRA.
