Worst Load Shedding During Summer Due To Major Power Shortage Of 5900MW

The nation is currently experiencing a major electricity deficit of 5,900 megawatts as the summer heat continues to rise and worst load shedding is expected in this summer.

Today’s power production stands at 18,655 MW, while the demand has escalated to 24,555 MW.

Power Generation Breakdown:

• Hydropower Plants: 5,000 MW
• Thermal Power Plants: 975 MW
• Private Power Plants: 8,350 MW
• Wind Power Plants: 790 MW
• Solar Power Plants: 200 MW
• Bagasse: 140 MW
• Nuclear: 3,200 MW
• Total: 18,655 MW

Due to this current deficit, sources indicate that load shedding is becoming increasingly frequent throughout the country. Rural areas are experiencing 8 to 10 hours of load shedding, urban areas face 4 to 6 hours, and high-loss areas endure 12 to 14 hours.

Read Also: NDMA Issues Heatwave Warning For Punjab And Sindh

This extended load shedding is causing severe disruptions, particularly in rural and high-loss regions, as the power sector struggles to satisfy the high electricity demand.

Meanwhile, the cost of fuel for power generation decreased by 10.1 percent year-on-year to an average of Rs. 9.21 per unit in April 2024. In the same month, actual power generation was 20.4 percent lower than the reference generation, potentially leading to higher capacity charges for the fourth quarter of FY24, according to Arif Habib Limited.