Power division says hydropower production increases during peak hours amid demand pressure

The Power Division spokesperson has issued a statement outlining the country’s electricity situation, saying that higher demand from provinces during peak hours last night led to increased generation through dam water releases, producing around 4,950 megawatts of electricity.

According to the spokesperson, Pakistan’s total hydro-power generation capacity stands at 11,500 megawatts. However, current output is nearly 6,000 megawatts below potential capacity. The spokesperson attributed this shortfall primarily to reduced water demand from provinces, which limits optimal hydro-power generation.

He further stated that around 400 megawatts of electricity were successfully transmitted from the southern region to the central grid due to improved grid stability, helping maintain overall system balance during peak demand hours.

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Distribution companies (DISCOs) implemented load management for approximately two to two-and-a-half hours during peak periods last night due to increased demand. The spokesperson clarified that this “economic load management” is being applied only on high-loss feeders in accordance with policy and should not be confused with general peak-time load shedding.

He added that once sufficient liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies become available, peak-hour load management is expected to be eliminated. At present, around 5,500 megawatts of generation capacity remains idle due to LNG shortages, limiting the overall electricity supply.

The spokesperson also urged consumers to adopt energy-saving practices, especially during nighttime hours, to help manage rising demand more effectively. He noted that global conditions, along with reduced hydropower efficiency due to water constraints, continue to contribute to supply gaps during peak hours.

Authorities reiterated that efforts are underway to stabilise the power system through improved fuel availability, better grid coordination, and optimized use of available generation resources.