A technical fault in the Tarbela hydropower system has disrupted electricity supply across several parts of Pakistan. The disruption comes after a rock collapse at the Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project (T-5) on November 9.
According to sources cited by a private channel, electricity generation at Tarbela Dam has dropped to 656 megawatts. Two generating units reportedly remain out of operation.
The reduction in hydropower generation has widened the gap between electricity demand and available supply.
Lahore Faces Up to Four Hours of Power Cuts
The electricity shortfall has affected Lahore, other parts of Punjab and several regions across the country.
Residents in Lahore are reportedly facing up to four hours of unscheduled load-shedding, particularly after evening hours.
Sources said the shortfall in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) network has reached 800 megawatts.
Several areas connected to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) network have also experienced supply disruptions.
IESCO has introduced load management across its service region because of the temporary shortage.
Tarbela Project Incident Under Investigation
The disruption follows a rock collapse during excavation work at the T-5 construction site.
Water entered the connecting tunnel and under-construction powerhouse area after a weak section of rock collapsed.
WAPDA confirmed that all workers were safely evacuated. No injuries or deaths were reported.
The authority also clarified that the main tunnel, powerhouse structure, tailrace culvert and switchyard remained undamaged.
WAPDA has ordered a departmental inquiry to establish the cause of the incident.
Power Companies Directed to Announce Schedules
The Ministry of Energy’s Power Division has directed electricity distribution companies to immediately announce their load-shedding schedules.
However, distribution companies have not yet issued formal schedules for the affected areas.
Authorities are working to address the supply gap and restore normal electricity availability.
The latest disruption has added pressure to Pakistan’s power sector as reduced hydropower generation increases the challenge of meeting electricity demand.
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