The federal government of Pakistan has announced a daily electricity loadshedding period of approximately 2.15 hours as part of a new “peak relief strategy” designed to prevent a potential increase of up to Rs6 per unit in power tariffs. This decision targets the critical peak hours between 5pm and 1am when electricity demand surges sharply.
Despite difficult global conditions, electricity generation within the country remains stable and sufficient to meet overall demand. However, the main challenge arises during peak periods, compounded by reduced hydropower output during the summer months. The government highlighted that meeting this increased demand through expensive fuel sources like furnace oil would significantly raise electricity prices.
In a significant development, the government has opted to suspend power supply for about 2.15 hours daily during peak hours to reduce reliance on costly fuel and contain tariff increases. This initiative is being closely overseen by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has instructed authorities to prevent excessive electricity price hikes.
Officials noted that while efforts are underway to limit furnace oil usage, consumers may still experience a tariff increase of roughly Rs1.5 per unit. Without these measures, the rise could have escalated to Rs5 to Rs6 per unit. Distribution companies (DISCOs) have been directed to provide consumers with advance notice of loadshedding schedules and to adhere strictly to the announced timings. In cases of unscheduled outages caused by technical faults, consumers will be promptly informed.
The government emphasized that this approach is a targeted “peak relief strategy” rather than routine loadshedding, aiming specifically to ease the financial burden on consumers. Authorities also pointed out that improved planning, system reforms, and prioritization of low-cost energy sources have contributed to a reduction in electricity prices by an average of 71 paisa per unit between July and February, resulting in a total relief of Rs46 billion despite rising global fuel costs.
Reiterating its commitment to mitigating the impact of international market pressures, the government stated that enhanced management and timely closure of commercial markets could further reduce electricity demand and limit price increases.
