Country grappling with massive power shortfall

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is grappling with a widening electricity shortfall of around 4,500 megawatts (MW), largely driven by a sharp drop in hydropower generation, forcing authorities to extend load management to as much as five hours during peak evening hours in several areas.

According to the Power Division, the gap between demand and supply intensified on Wednesday when electricity demand surged to about 18,000 MW. Hydropower generation declined by nearly 1,991 MW overnight, putting significant pressure on the system and prompting the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) to increase load-shedding duration based on regional demand patterns.

Officials attributed the decline in hydel generation to reduced water releases from key reservoirs. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is currently managing water discharges in line with provincial needs, which remain lower than usual due to recent rainfall and the ongoing harvesting season.

This has led to decreased reservoir outflows, directly impacting power generation.

READ MORE: Move branded as ‘peak relief strategy’: Govt rolls out scheduled power outages

As a consequence, distribution companies have been compelled to enforce higher-than-planned load management during nighttime hours. However, the Power Division maintained that electricity supply remains stable during the day, with no significant shortfall reported outside peak periods.

Sources revealed that the Power Division is closely monitoring the evolving situation and issuing directives to ISMO and power distribution companies (DISCOs) to manage the crisis effectively. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has also taken notice and is seeking detailed demand and supply data from the Power Division to assess the situation and explore immediate corrective measures, including enhancing gas supply from indigenous resources to bridge the deficit.

Despite the current strain, officials expressed optimism that the situation is temporary. Expected increases in water releases from dams in the coming days are likely to boost hydropower generation, while improved availability of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) is expected to support thermal power production.

In a related development, the Power Division earlier clarified that the government had decided not to implement 2.5-hour load management in HESCO and K-Electric. However, it remains unclear whether this exemption will continue following the recent surge in the shortfall.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026