Pakistan experiences night-time power shortfall due to reduced hydropower generation
- Says decline in hydropower output was linked to lower water releases from reservoirs
Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy (Power Division) said on Wednesday that a decrease in hydropower generation during night hours led to a temporary increase in load management across parts of the country.
According to a ministry’s spokesperson, hydropower generation dropped by 1,991 megawatts during the night, resulting in an estimated shortfall of around 4,500 megawatts during peak hours.
The spokesperson said electricity distribution companies carried out slightly higher-than-announced load management due to the reduced availability of hydropower.
He explained that the decline in hydropower output was linked to lower water releases from reservoirs, as demand from provinces remained reduced.
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is currently releasing water according to provincial demand, which is lower compared to last year due to rainfall patterns and the ongoing crop harvesting season.
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During peak hours, total electricity demand stood at around 18,000 megawatts.
The ministry expressed hope that water releases from dams would increase in the coming days, which would improve hydropower generation and ease the situation.
It added that load management was limited to night hours only, while no shortfall was observed during daytime.
The spokesperson also noted that improved availability of RLNG (re-gasified liquefied natural gas) is expected to further stabilize the power supply situation.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by reduced hydropower generation, the ministry apologized for additional load management and urged consumers to conserve electricity during peak night hours.
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