Power breakdowns: Minister apologises for inconvenience

Sources says reveal shortfall of about 2,000 MW because of closure of gas-run power plants

ISLAMABAD: The on-going power crisis is still out of control as unannounced load shedding of more than 12 hours is being observed in rural areas across the country.

Federal Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan has said interruption in power supply was caused by suspension of gas supply after an explosion in the 36 inch diameter gas pipeline in Sadiqabad. He said the shortfall will be managed by alternative resources; however, people will have to face shortage difficulties temporarily. The minister has also apologised to the nation for the inconvenience in advance.

On the other hand, Spokesperson of the Power Division has claimed there was no shortfall at all.

“Load management is being observed according to the schedule in areas where electricity is stolen or there are losses for other reasons,” said the spokesperson adding power demand in the country is 14,480 MW against the production of 14,500 MW, thus there is no shortfall.

Meanwhile, the power ministry had first said load shedding is because of the fog and later said the power supply was suspended because of the power line failure.

However, sources in the power ministry said there is indeed a shortfall of about 2,000 MW because of closure of the gas-run power plants and thus load shedding is being observed in different areas.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday also took notice of hours long load shedding in winter. He was briefed that many plants had to be shut down for suspension of timely supply of LNG and they are being run on furnace oil. The shortfall and faults in the transmission lines have caused long hours of load shedding in urban as well as rural areas in Lesco, Mepo, Fesco and Isco managed jurisdictions.