Islamabad: Pakistan experienced an electricity shortfall during peak hours as reduced water demand from provinces lowered hydropower generation, according to the Power Division. Officials stated that limited water releases continue to restrict overall electricity production across the national grid.
Hydropower output falls below capacity
During peak hours last night, hydropower generation reached 4,950 megawatts, significantly lower than the installed capacity of 11,500 megawatts. Moreover, a Power Division spokesperson said production remains nearly 6,000 megawatts below potential due to reduced water availability from provincial releases.
Despite this gap, authorities managed partial relief in supply pressure. In addition, grid improvements enabled the transmission of 400 megawatts from southern regions to central areas, which helped stabilize demand in high-consumption zones.
Load management and operational challenges
Meanwhile, distribution companies implemented load management of up to two and a half hours during peak demand periods as electricity consumption increased. Officials clarified that this measure targets high-loss feeders under economic load management policies and remains separate from peak-hour adjustments.
Furthermore, the Power Division noted that improved liquefied natural gas (LNG) availability could help eliminate peak-time load management in the future. However, around 5,500 megawatts of generation capacity currently remains idle due to LNG shortages, further limiting supply options.
Consequently, authorities have urged consumers to reduce electricity usage during night hours. They emphasized that rising demand, global energy pressures, and reduced hydropower availability continue to create persistent gaps between supply and consumption.
