The country experienced a substantial electricity deficit during peak hours as power generation capacity of up to 5,500 megawatts remained offline due to a shortage of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, hydropower production fell significantly short of its potential, the Power Division spokesperson stated.
Hydropower output reached 4,950 megawatts during peak demand last night, driven by increased consumption in various provinces. However, this figure is almost 6,000 megawatts below the total installed hydropower capacity of 11,500 megawatts, primarily because of reduced water demand from the provinces.
Meanwhile, despite these challenges, approximately 400 megawatts of electricity continued to be transmitted from the southern region to the central grid, aided by enhanced grid stability.
Power distribution companies implemented load management measures lasting between two to two and a half hours during peak periods to address the heightened demand. The spokesperson clarified that economic load management on high-loss feeders will persist as per policy and is separate from peak-hour load management efforts.
In a significant development, the spokesperson highlighted that improving LNG availability could potentially eliminate the need for peak-hour load shedding.
Currently, power plants with a combined capacity of 5,500 megawatts remain non-operational due to the ongoing fuel shortage. The spokesperson also called on consumers to adopt energy-saving habits, especially during nighttime, to help manage the increasing demand more effectively.
Furthermore, the spokesperson attributed the persistent electricity shortfall during night hours to global factors and decreased water demand, which continue to restrict optimal power generation.
