The government of Pakistan has declared that consumers served by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and K-Electric will not experience the scheduled loadshedding of up to two and a half hours as part of the national peak hours relief plan. This exemption is attributed to a decreased dependence on furnace oil and the availability of more affordable electricity generated from alternative sources in southern Pakistan.
A spokesperson from the Power Division explained that the southern region is currently producing a surplus of low-cost electricity, which is being effectively utilized by the respective distribution companies. This surplus allows the benefits of cheaper power to be passed directly to consumers, providing relief and preventing unnecessary disruptions.
In a significant development, the spokesperson highlighted that improved power availability in these areas means consumers are spared from excessive hardship caused by load management practices.
Earlier, the federal government had announced a plan to implement approximately 2.25 hours of daily electricity loadshedding nationwide during peak hours. This strategy aims to curb a potential rise in power tariffs by as much as Rs6 per unit. The Power Division noted that despite challenging global conditions, electricity generation remains stable and sufficient to meet overall demand across the country.
However, the primary challenge occurs during peak hours—from 5pm to 1am—when electricity demand surges sharply. This situation is worsened by reduced hydropower generation during the summer months. To meet this increased demand, reliance on expensive fuel sources like furnace oil would significantly raise electricity costs.
To mitigate this, the government has opted to suspend power supply for about 2.25 hours daily during peak periods, aiming to reduce dependence on costly fuels and contain tariff hikes. The Power Division confirmed that this measure is under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has instructed authorities to prevent excessive increases in electricity prices.
Officials added that although efforts are underway to limit furnace oil usage, consumers may still face a tariff increase of around Rs1.5 per unit. Without these interventions, the rise could have escalated to Rs5 or Rs6 per unit.
Distribution companies (DISCOs) have been directed to provide consumers with advance notice of loadshedding schedules and ensure strict adherence to the announced timings. In cases of unscheduled outages caused by technical faults, consumers will be promptly informed.
