Govt Says Sorry for Daily Load-Shedding

Pakistan is temporarily implementing additional load management during nighttime hours due to a shortage of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG), which has reduced electricity generation by 3,600 megawatts, according to the Power Division. Public reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly negative, with people expressing anger and a desire for more immediate solutions rather than excuses.

The Power Division apologized to consumers for the temporary measure, which also resulted in a 195-megawatt reduction in power generation from Mangla Power Station. In response, the government has initiated temporary load management of 1.5-3 hours during nighttime peak hours to balance supply and demand. Furnace-oil-based power plants were brought online to help meet electricity demand during this period.

The government stated that temporary load management will be reduced once the delayed RLNG cargo arrives at the port and fuel supplies improve. This development has intensified pressure on electricity supplies in Punjab, with reports of prolonged load-shedding in cities like Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad. The Power Division emphasized that no load management occurs during daytime hours.

However, areas affected by high distribution losses are receiving electricity according to their scheduled load-shedding plans. The ministry has urged consumers to limit their electricity use during nighttime peak hours to alleviate pressure on the power system.