Pakistan announces 2.25-hour daily loadshedding during peak hours

The Power Division of Pakistan has announced a daily two-hour and 15-minute loadshedding during peak hours.

According to a spokesperson, the measure is part of a peak-hours relief strategy. It was stated that between July and February, electricity consumers received relief worth Rs46 billion, while power tariffs decreased by 71 paisa despite rising fuel prices, due to the use of low-cost energy sources and improved generation efficiency.

The statement added that the government has reduced losses through improvements in transmission and administration, and that electricity generation remains stable despite challenging global conditions.

Officials said that while Pakistan currently has the capacity to meet electricity demand, the main challenge lies in increased consumption during peak hours. Reliance on expensive fuels could significantly raise electricity costs.

Under the new plan, load shedding will be carried out between 5pm and 1am, with outages lasting a total of two hours and 15 minutes daily. The move aims to limit the use of costly fuels and prevent a substantial rise in electricity prices.

The spokesperson further noted that, on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the situation is being closely monitored.

The Prime Minister has directed authorities to avoid any sharp increase in electricity tariffs.

Additionally, 80 MMCFD of local gas has been supplied to power plants, helping to prevent an increase of 80 paisa per unit and avoid further load management. Without these measures, electricity prices could have risen by Rs5 to Rs6 per unit.

The Power Division also directed distribution companies to inform consumers in advance about outage timings, adding that steps such as early closure of commercial markets could help reduce demand and further ease pressure on electricity prices.