The Power Division has said that electricity shortages increased during night hours after hydel power generation dropped by 1,991 megawatts, forcing distribution companies to carry out load management beyond the announced schedule.
The ministry’s spokesperson said the total shortfall during peak night hours reached around 4,500 megawatts, while overall demand stood at approximately 18,000 megawatts.
The division explained that the decline in hydel generation was caused by lower water releases from the country’s dams to the provinces, as water demand remains below last year’s level.
It said the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is currently releasing water from reservoirs in line with provincial demand, which has remained low due to recent rains and the ongoing crop harvesting season.
The spokesperson added that load management is currently being carried out only during night hours, while there is no shortfall during the daytime.
The situation is expected to improve over the next few days as water releases from dams are likely to increase, which would help raise hydel electricity generation. The Power Division added that the availability of RLNG-based power generation would further improve the supply situation.