Pakistan is experiencing increased electricity shortages during night hours after hydel power generation dropped by 1,991 megawatts, forcing distribution companies to carry out load management beyond their announced schedules. The Power Division confirmed the development and outlined the key reasons behind the shortfall.
The situation has added to the frustration of consumers across the country who were hoping for a stable power supply heading into the warmer months.
What Is Causing the Night Load Shedding
The total electricity shortfall during peak night hours reached approximately 4,500 megawatts. Overall demand during the same period stood at around 18,000 megawatts. The gap between supply and demand pushed distribution companies to extend load shedding beyond their official schedules.
The Power Division explained that lower water releases from the country’s dams caused the decline in hydel generation. The Indus River System Authority is currently releasing water from reservoirs based on provincial demand. That demand has stayed low due to recent rains and the ongoing crop harvesting season across the country.
As a result, less water is flowing through hydel power plants. Consequently, electricity generation from those plants has dropped significantly during night hours.
Daytime Supply Remains Stable
Despite the night time shortfall, the Power Division confirmed that no electricity shortage exists during the day. Load management is currently limited to night hours only. Therefore, industrial and commercial consumers who operate primarily during the day are not directly affected by the current situation.
This distinction is important for businesses and households planning their electricity usage over the coming days.
When Will the Situation Improve
The Power Division expects conditions to improve within the next few days. Water releases from dams are likely to increase as provincial demand rises. Higher water releases will directly boost hydel electricity generation and help close the current supply gap.
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Furthermore, the availability of RLNG based power generation will also improve the overall supply situation. As these additional sources come online, the pressure on the national grid during night hours should ease considerably.
For now, consumers across Pakistan should expect continued load shedding during night hours until water releases normalize and hydel generation recovers to adequate levels. The Power Division has urged patience while the situation stabilizes over the coming days.
