Power crisis has aggravated with rise in mercury, pushing the shortfall upward and crossing the threshold of 3000MW during last 24 hours. It may be noted that the power shortfall decreased during last week owing to mild weather, but it has risen again to abnormal level as weather has turned warmer in Punjab.
The power generation stood at 11033MW against a demand of 14168MW, widening the gap to 3135MW. Pepco sources have feared further rise in shortfall with increase in temperature in coming days. The power generation through hydel, thermal, IPPs and RPPs remained 2477MW, 2088MW, 6404MW and 62MW respectively during last 24 hours. Meanwhile, supply to the KESC was recorded at 710MW.
Pepco sources said the shortage of water and furnace oil to the power generation units is major cause behind present upward trend in load shedding. The urban areas have also started feeling the brunt as almost two to three hours unannounced loadshedding is being carried out beside six hours announced loadshedding. Around 10 to 14 hours of loadshedding is being carried out in rural areas. This situation has disturbed domestic and commercial activities in urban and agricultural activities in rural areas. The government is likely to announce two weekly holidays in order to save energy during the summer.