Electricity shortfall reaches 4500MW
At present, power generation stands at 9000MW while demand is 13500MW.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Despite low power consumption at the onset of winters, electricity shortfall has reached 4500MW in Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Water and Power sources, the shortfall has increased due to low water level in dams and the smog-triggered tripping of system. At present, power generation stands at 9000MW while demand is 13500MW.
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The smog-triggered tripping has also led to forced closure of all Chashma Nuclear Power plants (C1, C2, C3, C4) where after necessary technical and security protocol the restoration is in progress and it is expected to get full capacity in approximately 72 hours.
Under the directions of Federal Government, the Power sector has also closed all expensive furnace oil and diesel-run power plants of a cumulative capacity of 4250MW . The furnace oil plants includes 950 MW Hubco, 1000 MW Muzafargarh, 400 MW Jamshoro and 700 MW KAPCO. The diesel/furnace oil fired plants which are closed under the redirections are Nishat power, Nishar Chunian Power, Liberty, Hubco Norwal, Atlas and Kel, of cumulative capacity around 1200MW.
Besides the hydel generation average has also come down to 2700MW against its capacity of 7000MW due to less releases of water from reservoirs on provinces demand.
The SNGPL has also curtained 200 mmcfd gas supplies due to maintenance between 3rd November to 7th November resulting reduction of 500 MW in the system.
These factors in combination are negatively affecting the demand and supply situation in the country and the power distribution system needs load management for certain period.
