'3394MW generation capacity added to system in last three years'

ISLAMABAD: PEPCO spokesman Ijaz Rafique has said that 3394 MW generation capacity has been added to the system during the last three years, whereas 2800MW electricity would also be inducted under short-term measures by the year 2013.

Talking to a private news channel on Wednesday, he said that the power shortfall has reduced to 1,932 MW due to recent rain spell and improved water level in dams was the reasons of reduction in power short fall.

He said Mangla Dam was generating only 200 to 300MW of electricity due to less release of water as the dam was being filled after completion of the Mangla raising project.

PEPCO spokesman said that the total power generation stands at 13.782 MW against the demand of 16,997 MW, leaving a gap of 3300 MW. This has led to loadshedding up to 6 hours in cities and 10 hours in rural areas of the country, he added.

To a question, he said the government was negotiating with nine independent power producers (IPPs), who had served notices to the government invoking financial guarantees.

The electricity shortfall in the country jumps to 3,558 MW as the total power generation was recorded as 13,044 MW against the demand of 16,602 MW.

He said the daily power generation and load-management position, the hydel generation stood at 6,641 MW,WAPDA thermal 1,187 MW, IPPs 5,063 MW and Renal 153 MW.

The hydel generation witnessed sharp increase and stood at 6,641 MW owing to attaining maximum water conservation level by Tarbela and Mangla dams and more water discharge from both the reservoirs.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011