Power supply stable during peak hours
A market in Rawalpindi is plunged into darkness due to load-shedding amid increased demand for electricity following a steady rise in mercury. PHOTO: ONLINE
The Power Division on Wednesday said that electricity supply remained stable during peak hours last night despite an increase in demand from provinces.
In a statement, the spokesperson said improved water releases from dams enabled the generation of 5,125 megawatts (MW) of electricity during peak time. Around 400MW were also successfully transmitted from the southern region to the central grid due to improved grid stability.
The spokesperson noted that distribution companies (DISCOs) managed to maintain relatively better supply even during peak demand, limiting load management to one to two hours in most areas.
However, economic load management will continue on feeders with high losses, in line with policy. He clarified that economic load management is separate from peak-time load management.
The statement added that peak-time load shedding would be eliminated once adequate supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) become available.
At present, around 5,500MW of electricity generation capacity remains idle due to LNG shortages. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari has taken serious notice of DISCOs purchasing power from small producers in violation of the prescribed merit order.
According to an official statement, the minister directed all DISCOs to immediately bring their electricity procurement in line with regulations set by NEPRA.