Power shortfall reaches 5,319 MW amid scorching heat
Over the first ten months of the current fiscal year 2023-24, power generation witnessed a 3% drop, totalling 100,980 GWh compared to 103,593 GWh during the same period in the previous year. photo: REUTERS
Amid soaring temperatures, Pakistan is grappling with an electricity shortfall, now reaching 5,319 MW, leading to widespread load shedding across the country.
Sources revealed that the nation's electricity demand was 25,000 MW, but production was falling short at 19,681 MW, leaving a considerable gap.
Hydropower sources are pulling their weight with 5,600 MW, while government thermal power plants are chipping in with 890 MW.
The private sector plays a crucial role, producing 8,980 MW, and wind power plants add 780 MW to the grid.
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Solar power plants generate 198 MW, bagasse provides 133 MW, and nuclear power plants contribute 3,100 MW.
Due to the shortfall, residents are experiencing load shedding for up to six hours daily across the nation, according to sources.
Pakistan's power sector has been grappling with rampant power theft and distribution losses, leading to mounting debts throughout the production chain — a matter of concern highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during recent bailout negotiations.
Prime Minister Sharif has initiated a campaign to combat power theft nationwide, aiming to mitigate substantial financial losses.
On Tuesday, the PM called upon authorities to reduce load shedding during the prevailing heatwave and take decisive action against power theft across the country.