Power Shortfall Surges Beyond 4,500 MW, Unannounced Load Shedding Intensifies

LAHORE: The country’s power crisis has intensified, with the electricity shortfall exceeding 4,500 megawatts, according to Usman Farooq, focal person of the Young Engineers Council.

Farooq said several power plants have gone offline and are expected to return to the system by October 16. Their outage has pushed the national electricity shortfall beyond 4,500 MW, worsening the situation across all distribution companies, including Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO).

He said the growing power shortfall has resulted in three to four hours of unannounced load shedding. After gas shortages, generation from diesel and hydropower has also declined, further aggravating the situation.

Meanwhile, LESCO sources said the electricity shortfall in its region has exceeded 1,000 MW due to increased demand. One hour of load shedding is reportedly being carried out after every hour in affected areas.

According to sources, LESCO has also been unable to secure an increase in its electricity quota despite demands from its chief executive.

Sources described the power system as being under severe pressure and warned that consumers could face prolonged and severe load shedding over the next few days.