Pakistan’s power sector has achieved an unprecedented milestone by recording its highest-ever electricity generation performance for the month of January 2026. This accomplishment is particularly notable given the significant operational challenges and adverse weather conditions that the system faced throughout the month. The announcement comes at a time when the electricity sector has been under intense public scrutiny due to ongoing debates around pricing and supply reliability.
During January 2026, the national grid reached a peak electricity generation of 16,584 megawatts (MW), while the average generation hovered around 12,239 MW. The total electricity produced during this period amounted to an impressive 9,106 gigawatt-hours (GWh), surpassing the initially projected reference figure of 7,962 GWh by approximately 14 percent. This output also marks a significant 13 percent increase compared to the same month last year, highlighting the sector’s growth despite numerous hurdles.
It is important to highlight that this record-breaking performance was achieved despite several major outages that placed considerable strain on the system. Notable disruptions included a forced outage of 1,040 MW at the K-3 nuclear power plant and a 1,180 MW forced outage at the Haveli Bahadur Shah (HBS) power station. Additionally, the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant experienced partial and forced outages, while the C-III plant underwent a scheduled refueling outage that temporarily removed 300 MW from the grid. These setbacks added layers of complexity to managing the national power supply.
Beyond equipment outages, the system also grappled with environmental and operational challenges. Canal closures impacted hydropower availability, a critical component of Pakistan’s energy mix, while dense fog in northern and southern regions caused transmission line trippings, disrupting power flow. Furthermore, the country experienced a cold wave that drove up electricity demand, especially during peak consumption hours. Despite these pressures, the grid was managed efficiently through merit-order dispatch, ensuring that the most cost-effective and available resources were prioritized to maintain supply stability.
Officials from the Power Division emphasized that thermal power resources were utilized to their fullest potential, while hydropower generation was carefully regulated within the limits of available water resources. Continuous monitoring of transmission corridors and the implementation of enhanced security protocols helped prevent cascading failures and widespread load shedding, ensuring uninterrupted service to consumers. The resilience and professionalism demonstrated by system operators during this demanding period were particularly commendable.
Commercial aspects related to the rebasing of reference figures for January 2026 can be accessed through the Central Power Purchasing Agency – Guarantee (CPPA-G). Currently, system demand is being met efficiently, primarily through hydropower supported by improved water inflows. Notably, only one RLNG-based plant remains operational, and no furnace oil-based generation has been utilized, even during high-demand periods such as Iftar, Taraweeh, and Sehr in the holy month. This reflects a positive shift towards cleaner and more cost-effective energy sources.
The Power Division reaffirmed its commitment to delivering reliable and affordable electricity to all consumers across Pakistan. This record generation achievement not only underscores the sector’s capacity to overcome technical and environmental challenges but also sets a strong foundation for future improvements in power supply and infrastructure development.
