The demand for government-supplied electricity has significantly declined as more consumers and industrialists turn to alternative energy sources, primarily solar power. Various distribution companies (DISCOs) have reported this trend to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).
Across the country, consumers are moving away from the national grid due to the high cost of government-supplied electricity. Many individuals and industries have started relying on solar energy, leading to a noticeable reduction in government-provided electricity consumption.
Data submitted to Nepra reveals a consistent decline in demand. In Faisalabad, domestic electricity demand has decreased by 11%, although industrial electricity sales have increased by 18%. Lahore Electric reported a 15% decrease in industrial demand and a 3% decrease in domestic demand. In Gujranwala, there has been a 0.13% decrease in domestic demand and a 4.7% reduction in industrial electricity consumption.
Mapco reported a 26% drop in B3 category industrial electricity demand. In Peshawar, there has been a 9.1% reduction in domestic sales, 3.2% in commercial sales, and a 17.2% reduction in industrial sales. However, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (ISCO) cited the closure of industries as the reason for the decrease in industrial demand.
Nepra officials expressed dissatisfaction with the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) for not providing data, indicating potential legal action against HESCO.
Currently, the country faces an electricity shortfall of 4,448 MW. The total demand is 25,332 MW, while production stands at 20,884 MW. Hydropower sources contribute 7,222 MW, government thermal power plants generate 786 MW, private sector power plants produce 7,960 MW, and wind power plants add 1,121 MW to the national grid.
The shift towards solar energy and other alternative sources underscores a growing trend as consumers and industries seek to reduce their reliance on expensive government-supplied electricity.
