Pakistan’s power authorities reported a significant rise in nighttime electricity outages, primarily caused by a steep decline in hydropower generation. Consumers have been urged to limit their electricity consumption during evening hours to help manage the shortage.
The Power Division revealed that hydropower output decreased by 1,991 megawatts overnight, forcing distribution companies to implement load management measures beyond their usual schedules. During peak hours, the shortfall reached approximately 4,500 megawatts, while overall demand hovered around 18,000 megawatts.
This reduction in hydropower generation is attributed to decreased water releases from dams, as provincial irrigation water demand remains low. The Indus River System Authority, responsible for regulating water flow, has been releasing water provincial needs, which are considerably lower than last year due to recent rainfall and the ongoing crop harvesting season.
Authorities emphasized that load management is currently confined to nighttime periods, with no reported shortages during daytime hours. They anticipate improvements in the coming days as water releases from reservoirs increase, which will enhance hydropower production. Additionally, the availability of RLNG (Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas) is expected to alleviate supply pressures further.
The Power Division expressed regret over the increased outages and appealed to consumers to conserve electricity, especially during peak nighttime hours, to help stabilize the power supply situation.
