More Hydropower, Local Gas Help Reduce Peak-Hour Load Shedding

Pakistan’s hydropower generation reached 6,000 megawatts during peak hours last night, helping ease pressure on the national grid, while improved local gas supplies also supported higher electricity generation, according to the Power Division.

A spokesperson said the country’s total hydropower generation capacity stands at 11,500 megawatts and that additional local gas supplies to some power plants had further improved overall generation.

The spokesperson said higher hydropower output and the availability of extra local gas strengthened grid stability, particularly through the southern system, making it easier to bring another 100 megawatts into the national grid. In total, 500 megawatts was transmitted from the south, the spokesperson added.

Power distribution companies carried out load management for between 25 minutes and one hour during peak hours last night, according to the Power Division. However, no load management was required after 8pm as electricity demand declined due to weather conditions.

The spokesperson said economic load management continued on high-loss feeders under the existing policy, adding that this was separate from peak-hour load management.

Despite the improvement, the Power Division said LNG shortages linked to global conditions were still preventing power plants with a combined capacity of 5,000 megawatts from generating electricity.

According to the spokesperson, the nighttime power shortfall is expected to end once LNG supplies improve and water releases increase.