Pakistan’s power sector has reached an unprecedented milestone by recording its highest-ever electricity generation for the month of January 2026. This achievement comes despite facing significant operational challenges, including major plant outages and adverse weather conditions that typically hamper energy production during winter months. The announcement highlights the resilience and efficiency of the national grid amid ongoing debates surrounding electricity pricing and sector performance.
During January 2026, the national power system achieved a peak generation capacity of 16,584 megawatts (MW), while the average electricity output throughout the month stood at 12,239 MW. In total, the country produced 9,106 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, surpassing the projected reference figure of 7,962 GWh by approximately 14 percent. This marks a notable 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting a significant improvement in the power sector’s operational capabilities and overall energy availability.
These impressive figures were recorded despite several critical outages that placed considerable strain on the system. Among the most impactful were the forced outages of the K-3 nuclear unit, which resulted in a loss of 1,040 MW, and the Haveli Bahadur Shah (HBS) power plant, which was offline for 1,180 MW. Additionally, the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant experienced partial and forced outages, while the C-III nuclear facility underwent a scheduled refueling outage, temporarily reducing capacity by 300 MW. Such disruptions typically pose serious challenges to maintaining grid stability and meeting demand.
Compounding these technical difficulties were environmental factors that further complicated power generation. Canal closures affected hydropower availability, a critical component of Pakistan’s energy mix, especially during winter. Moreover, dense fog in both northern and southern regions caused frequent tripping of transmission lines, disrupting power flow and requiring swift remedial actions. The country also experienced a cold wave, which led to a surge in electricity demand as heating needs increased across various sectors.
In response to these pressures, the power system was managed with careful adherence to the merit-order dispatch principle, ensuring that the most cost-effective and efficient power sources were prioritized. Thermal power plants were utilized to their optimal capacity, while hydropower generation was carefully regulated within the limits of available water resources. Transmission corridors were continuously monitored, and additional security protocols were implemented to prevent cascading failures or widespread load shedding, safeguarding the stability of the national grid.
The Power Division has commended the professionalism and dedication of system operators who worked tirelessly under these demanding conditions to maintain uninterrupted power supply. Their efforts were crucial in navigating the complex operational landscape and achieving record generation figures. Meanwhile, commercial details related to the rebasing of reference values for January 2026 can be accessed through the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee (CPPA-G).
Currently, the system demand is being efficiently met primarily through hydropower, supported by improved water inflows, which have bolstered renewable energy contributions. Notably, only one RLNG-based plant remains operational, and no furnace oil-based generation has been utilized, even during peak demand periods such as Iftar, Taraweeh, and Sehr in the holy month. This shift reflects a positive trend towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The Power Division has reiterated its commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to consumers nationwide. This record-breaking performance in January 2026 serves as a testament to the sector’s growing capacity to overcome challenges and meet the country’s increasing energy needs, laying a strong foundation for future improvements in Pakistan’s power infrastructure.
