Power shortfall hits 6,247MW as heatwave grips Pakistan
The energy minister pointed out that the government had stopped CPPA-G from buying more electricity because “we want to give the business of electricity selling and buying to the private sector”. Photo: file
Pakistan is currently facing a substantial electricity shortfall of 6,247 megawatts, according to official sources.
The nationwide demand for electricity has surged to 26,500 megawatts, while the production capacity stands at 20,253 megawatts.
Hydroelectric sources contribute 7,980 megawatts, state-owned thermal power plants generate 712 megawatts, and private-sector power plants produce another 7,980 megawatts.
Additionally, wind power plants are providing 1,100 megawatts, solar power plants 196 megawatts, bagasse-based plants 133 megawatts, and nuclear power plants are supplying 3,133 megawatts.
Reports indicate that load shedding of up to six hours is being enforced across the country.
In areas with high line losses, power outages extend to 12 to 14 hours.
Megawatts measure power, and the usage needs vary across homes, businesses, and factories.
As a general rule of thumb, each MW of a coal power station's capacity can supply around 650 average homes.
On June 14, as the mercury continued to rise across the country with temperatures hitting 40C in many areas, the electricity shortage was recorded at 6,113 megawatts (MW).
Sources said as opposed to the countrywide demand of 26,700 MW, the production stood at 20,587 MW.
In May, As the country sweltered under intense heat with the mercury touching the dreaded 45-degree mark in many parts of the country, particularly in Sindh, the power shortfall in the country reached 5,845 megawatts (MW), resulting in long power outages in rural areas and areas with high line losses.