ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday apologised to electricity consumers for higher-than-promised load-shedding, attributing the situation to reduced hydropower availability caused by lower water releases from reservoirs.
In an official statement, the Power Division expressed regret over the “additional load management necessitated by reduced hydropower availability” and urged consumers to conserve electricity, particularly during nighttime hours, by adopting energy-efficient practices.
The apology follows widespread complaints from across the country regarding excessive loadshedding on Tuesday, exceeding the previously announced limit of 2.25 hours aimed at preventing an increase in electricity tariffs.
According to the Power Division, load management temporarily increased due to a sharp drop in hydropower generation during peak evening hours, which strained the system and widened the demand-supply gap. Hydropower output declined by approximately 1,991 megawatts overnight, contributing to an overall shortfall of around 4,500MW, while peak demand was recorded at nearly 18,000MW.
Officials explained that reduced water discharges from dams were the primary cause of the decline in hydel generation. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is currently managing water releases based on provincial requirements, which are significantly lower compared to last year due to recent rainfall and the ongoing harvesting season. This has resulted in decreased reservoir outflows and limited power generation.
As a result, electricity distribution companies were compelled to implement slightly higher load management than planned. While the Power Division maintained that the shortfall is largely confined to nighttime hours, some utilities, including Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), have announced up to three hours of loadshedding in the morning.
Despite the current challenges, officials remain optimistic about improvement in the coming days. Increased water releases are expected to enhance hydropower generation, while better availability of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) could help stabilise thermal power supply, although global supply constraints persist amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
