ISLAMABAD: Load management was enforced in several parts of Lahore after severe windstorms damaged key transmission circuits operated by the National Grid Company, disrupting electricity supply in the city.
According to a spokesperson for the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), strong winds caused the collapse of 12 transmission towers linked to the 220kV Lahore North Circuit-I, Bund Road Circuit-I, and Bund Road Circuit-II.
The damage led to overloading on the Lahore North and Lahore North–Sheikhupura transmission circuits, forcing authorities to implement load management ranging between 50 MW and 200 MW in central areas of Lahore from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on May 11.
The spokesperson clarified that the power curtailment was limited to affected transmission circuits only and was not due to any nationwide electricity generation shortfall.
Restoration work on the damaged towers is currently underway. However, authorities warned that temporary load management may continue in some central areas of Lahore until the affected transmission infrastructure is fully restored.
Grid stations and feeders impacted by the disruption include Ravi, Baghbanpura (Bogie Wal), Badami Bagh, Mochi Gate, Chah Miran, Shalimar I & II, Saggian, Fort, Sheranwala, Bhati Gate, McLeod Road, Qurtaba, Shahdara New, and Gulshan Ravi.
The ISMO spokesperson said efforts are being made to minimise load management and reduce inconvenience for electricity consumers during the restoration process.
